James Francis Perez, 81, of Sterling Heights, died Sunday, July 25, 2021.
He was born April 1, 1940 in Detroit to the late Samuel and Elizabeth Perez.
Jim spent his youth at “The Farm” in Kimball Township and in Detroit with his sisters at Grandma Jo’s. His first job was pedaling an ice cream bicycle in Detroit. He then worked and helped open the Kroger Eastland store in Detroit. During the 70’s & 80’s, he owned and operated a 7-11 store in Utica. He later was a specialty foods distributor until his retirement.
Jim loved laughter, music, being in the sun, golfing, jogging, playing tennis and having a martini. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially the annual Traverse City trip. He was loved by and will be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews. Jim had a unique ability to make connections with people everywhere he went. His joyful personality was infectious and he never missed an opportunity to connect with strangers and loved ones alike.
He is survived by two sisters, Joanne (Ronald) Hartson and Samantha “Sharon” Perez; nieces and nephews, Ronald (Andrea) Hartson Jr., Mary Hartson (Matt Hathorne), James (Jill) Hartson, David Hartson (Tami Hemingway), Jennifer Hartson (Quest Bacalis), Laura Hartson (Sergio Parreira), Elizabeth Hartson (Darren Whisker), Michael (Lea) Steinert, Sharon Steinert (Rich) and Edward (Tammi) Steinert; many great nieces and great nephews; and many other relatives, including cousin, Bev Missig.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Reverend Brian Cokonougher will officiate.
Burial will follow in Riverlawn Cemetery, Marysville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com
