Theodore James LeRoy– July 18, 1922-July 8, 2016. Born in Detroit, Jim was educated there and began his career at the Ford Rouge Plant as a draftsman. He joined the US Army Air Corps during WWII and served on the Northern Mariana Island of Tinian before returning home to marry his high school sweetheart, Betty Glunz. They were married for 69 years before her death last year. During that time he was a sales representative for US Steel in west Michigan and the Detroit area, retiring after 40 years.
He was an active member of the IHM Parish where service and athletics played an active role. In 1958 he was asked to start and coach the youth football program and did so for 11 years. He was a member of the Ushers Club and the Men’s Golf League, an active member of the Lions’ Club, collecting eyeglass donations and organizing their golf outings, God’s Kitchen and Meals on Wheels. Summers were spent on his boat, pulling kids on skis around Michigan lakes.
He was preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Theodore J. LeRoy Sr., brothers William and Robert, brother-in-law Thomas Neblett, and daughter Cynthia. He is survived by his children; Nancy Malone (Brian), James (Mary), and Lawrence (Nancy); Sisters-in-law Mary Ellen and Virginia LeRoy and Nancy Neblett; grandchildren Dawn LeRoy, Bridget Malone, Timothy LeRoy (Elizabeth), Kevin Malone (Briana); and great grandson Thomas and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to acknowledge with great appreciation the staff at The Village of Heather Hills where Jim and Betty lived very comfortably and very happily for the last 10 years. They wish to further thank the Faith Hospice staff for their comfort, care and guidance and Community Caregivers for their watchful and helpful assistance. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 11:00 a.m. at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Dr. S.E. Ada, MI. Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. The family will meet with friends and relatives one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family asks considering donations in Jim’s memory to The IHM Athletic Boosters,1935 Plymouth Rd. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI. 49506 or Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook S.E. Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.