James A. Gualdoni

Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather who took great pleasure in his family and friends. He leaves behind Gail, his beloved wife of 45 years and daughter, Lynn Phillips Brown (James), daughter Susan Owens and son Craig Phillips (Kathryn), Also Granddaughter Chelsea Owens, Granddaughter Katie James (Corey) and favorite grandson Ross Owens (Rob Hadous) as well as great-granddaughters Savannah and Harper James and their new baby brother, Carter James. Jim was born into a wonderful, loving Italian family and as the first grandchild of Italian immigrants was treated like a king. He exits the earth as the Don of the Gualdoni family. Jim was a political activist from early on. As an Eagle Scout he spent a day in the office with then Governor G. Mennen Williams in the Michigan Capital. In 1963 Jim rode the bus to Washington D.C. from Cincinnati OH to be at the Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Jim attended U of D High School and absolutely loved it. He went from high school to the seminary to study to become a Franciscan Catholic Priest. Jim received a Master’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati and another Master’s degree from St Louis University in St Louis. As a priest, Jim taught his students to become better people and citizens. Jim pursued a government career and served in Gallup New Mexico for the Department of the Interior, Schweinfurt Germany for the US Army in the Education Department and in Systems & Logistics at Wright Patterson Air Force base in Fairborn Ohio. Upon retiring in 1998 he and his wife moved to Wolverine Lake, MI to be near their families. Three years ago they moved to Fox Run Independent Living in Novi, MI. While In Wolverine Lake, he quickly became involved in politics. Jim was elected to the Village Council was active in the community. Jim organized local Democratic Clubs and was elected Head of the Eleventh District. He pounded the pavement for the good of America. He stayed active until the end. Jim and Gail loved Ballroom dancing and were officers & members of several clubs in the Greater Detroit area. Jim & Gail made wonderful friends here as well as all over the globe. They traveled extensively with Denise and Mike Duffy who they met in Schweinfurt, Germany and the four remain close friends to this day. Jim & Gail enjoyed spending time with family and close friends. They enjoyed life to the fullest whether it was with the Gualdoni family, with Gail’s Canadian family, the Drouillards, or the Ellis clan. Upon hearing his cancer diagnosis at the age of 86 Jim was stoic and felt lucky that he was allowed to have such a wonderful life filled with love, family, friends, travel, political devotees, his choral group, garden and many just wonderful people he has met since moving to Fox Run. He was ready and prepared to leave this life and move on to the next. In lieu of flowers please perform an act of kindness in Jim’s memory. Peace Gathering of friends at the O’Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, 248-348-1800 on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a memorial service at 3:00 PM.

James A. Gualdoni

July 1, 1938 - February 12, 2025