Obituary of James D'Haene

James Francis D'Haene was born on July 4, 1934 in Monroe. He was the eldest of two sons born from the union of the late Harry D'Haene and Irene (Finn) D'Haene. Jimmers was a 1952 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central High School where he constructed and operated the photography room. On June 2, 1956 he married the former Lou Anne C. Bruck, and the couple would share in the joy of five children. For many years, Jimmers operated a landscaping company. He also worked maintenance and as a cook for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary until retiring in 1985. Jimmers started the family business with wife, Lou Anne C. D'Haene and five sons in August of 1981, D'Haene's Floor and Wall Covering. Lou Anne passed away in 1998 after forty-two years of marriage. On October 2, 1999, James married Shirley A. (Butts) Redden. The couple made their home in Wyandotte attending Calvary Baptist Church in Southgate. They enjoyed morning coffee whether on their Michigan front porch over-looking Bishop Park or as snowbirds in their Florida sunroom. Jimmers was a member of the Monroe Belgium Club and Knights of Columbus Council #1266. As a people pleaser and the ultimate peacekeeper James had a knack for avoiding conflict. He was well liked and respected by those he came in contact with. Having a great sense of humor James loved to "kid" and make others laugh. He enjoyed camping, gardening his flowers and vegetables, playing cards, and texting pictures with his smart phone. Being a great cook, more than anything he cherished time with family and cooking for them. Jimmers, age 80, passed away in Florida on Friday February 13, 2015. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his first wife: Lou Anne; and a grandson: Joseph P. D'Haene. To cherish his memory he leaves his wife: Shirley; nine children: Thomas J. (Denise) D'Haene, Richard J. (Terese) D'Haene, Harry J. (Sarah) D'Haene, , Michael J. D'Haene, Patrick J. (Diane Poupard) D'Haene, Nancy (Randy) Margherini , Jeffrey E.(Janice) Redden, Todd (Sarah) Redden, and Lori (Thomas) Scheffler; one brother: Robert "Bob"J. (Dorothy) D'Haene; sixteen grandchildren: Heather M. (Matt) Pizio, Heidi M. (Jacob J.) Zeitz, Ryleigh R.M. D'Haene , Lauren L. D'Haene, Henri D. D'Haene, Jamie L. D'Haene, Brittany D. (Drew Wate) Redden, Ryan A. D'Haene, Zachary M.A. (Kellyn) Redden, Samantha A. Hurley, Faith Scheffler, Elliah J. Redden, Destiny A. Scheffler, Gavin S. Redden, Allie E. Redden, Keegan J. Redden; and two great grandchildren: Jaxon E. and Ava R. Pizio. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 10:00am on Monday, February 23, 2015 also at Merkle's with Pastor Billy Walker Jr. and Pastor Dan Russell of Calvary Baptist Church in Southgate co-officiating. Procession will follow to Michigan Memorial Park for burial. Online condolences can be made at www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.