James Francis McNamara

James Francis McNamara, age 93, resident of Canton, Michigan & Sarasota, Florida passed on May 16th, 2025, at his Sarasota Florida residence. James “Jim” was born on August 25th, 1931, In Detroit, Michigan, the son of the late Michael and Nellie McNamara (O'Donnell) who immigrated to the United States from Ireland. He graduated from Western High School Detroit MI class of 1949. Jim was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years Frances (Lombardo), his siblings Mary (Terence) McKelvey, Irene (Frank)Verville, George (Julie) McNamara, and his granddaughter Sarah Jansen, his in-law parents Joseph and Sarah Lombardo (Bommarito), in-law siblings Chet (Lydia) Lombardo, Joseph (Cathy) Lombardo, Catherine (Bob) Thibault, Lydia Foster and Daniel Lombardo. Jim is survived and missed by his children Timothy (Sue) McNamara of Rochester Hills, MI, Shari (Dave) Jansen of Albuquerque, NM/Sarasota, FL, and James (Sharon) McNamara of Canton, MI. His memory lives on in his grandchildren Justin, Marcus, Aaron, and Michael McNamara, Mary and Joseph Jansen, and great grandchildren Miles, Daisy, Lucas, Beau, Duke, Goldie, Rory, Mason and Leah McNamara. He is also survived by sister-in-law Pricilla Webb, brother-in-law Gerald Foster, nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews. Jim was a proud army veteran who served his country in the Korean War from 1952 - 1953. Upon returning from his duty overseas, he met and married Frances, the love of his life, and began his career with Michigan Consolidated Gas, retiring after 40+ years of service. He and his wife Fran raised their children in Taylor, Michigan and moved to Canton Michigan after retirement. They also enjoyed 25+ years in Florida being “snowbirds” at their homes on Siesta Key and then Sarasota. He enjoyed the great outdoors and loved boating and fishing the lakes in Michigan as well as camping. He also enjoyed golfing, tennis and gardening. Jim was a devoted Detroit sports fan and faithfully rooted for the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons and Michigan football. His true love was his family, whether it be watching sunsets with his wife Fran on the beach, chasing around any game within driving distance to watch his grandkids sporting events or walking his beloved dogs Sophie and Soldier. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids at the lakes in Michigan and especially cherished his time with them in Florida where he spent winters for over 25 years. He was a master of fixing just about anything and was always there to keep a car on the road or spending countless hours tackling a difficult plumbing problem that needed fixing. He loved his Irish heritage and was always there to tip a beer or enjoy a highball with his friends and family. He will be remembered for his love of life, his many fond relationships, and his positive perseverance in everything he did. A memorial service honoring Jim will take place on June 28th at Vermeulen Funeral Home of Plymouth, Michigan, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West, at 10am, funeral service at 11am. To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

James Francis McNamara

August 25, 1931 - May 16, 2025