Obituary of James Martin Bodi

James Martin Bodi

August 17, 1955 – March 13, 2024

James Martin Bodi was born on August 17, 1955 in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of five children born to Andrew Bodi Sr. and Lois (Neal) Bodi. James attended St. Joseph Grade School in Monroe and graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1972.

On August 4, 1979, he wed the love of his life, the former Dora Ellison, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe. The couple enjoyed forty-four years of marriage and were blessed with two sons. A hard worker and dedicated family man, Jim provided for his family with employment at Ford Motor Company for thirty years before retiring in 2018.

Jim traveled across the country alongside his wife. The pair spent several Michigan winters in sunny Florida. They enjoyed the beaches of Hawaii so much they returned four more times. They also ventured out West to Zion and Sedona National Parks. An avid golfer, Jim swung his clubs at every golf course in Monroe County. He was proud to have even gotten a “hole in one”, earning him a trophy. Jim also enjoyed watching golf on television and attending tournaments where he sometimes volunteered. He cheered on the University of Michigan Football team every season. Jim had a great appreciation for the outdoors. He enjoyed deer hunting and fishing with his grandkids at the pond at Munson Park in Monroe. An outgoing person, Jim never hesitated to strike up a conversation with anyone.

James Martin Bodi, age 68, of Monroe, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday; March 13, 2024. His passing was preceded by his parents; a brother: Andrew J. Bodi Jr.; a sister: Anne Bodi-Maxwell; his father and mother-in-law: Louis and Hazel Ellison; and a brother-in-law: Roger Lambert.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife: Dora Bodi; two sons: Gregory Bodi of Ventura, California and James Bodi Jr. of Monroe; two grandchildren: Mirra and Lennon Bodi; a brother: Robert M. Bodi; a sister: Sheila Bodi-Lambert; three brothers in-law: Buck (Rose) Ellison, John (Barb) Ellison, and Ken Ellison (Irene); three sisters-in-law: Lisa Ellison, Dawn (Albert) Parents, and Kris (Bill) Leverty; many nieces and nephews; and close friends and co-workers: Dolphus Hall and Michael O’Sullivan.

Friends may gather on Sunday; March 17, 2024, from 12:00pm until 5:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will begin at 5:00pm, also at Merkle’s. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation, of Erie, Michigan.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.