James Edward Totzkay, born on December 14, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, peacefully departed this world on August 9, 2024.

Jim was born December 14, 1948 in Detroit, MI, the beloved son of the late George F. Totzkay and the late Irene F. Totzkay.

Jim graduated from Our Lady of Sorrows High School in 1967.  He was stationed at Fort Leanord Wood as Private personnel specialist in the Army Reserves until 1969. Jim was honorably discharged in February of 1975.

He was married to his loving wife, Cathy (Cross) on June 11, 1971.

Jim graduated in 1974 from Schoolcraft College with an associate's degree in business management and marketing.

Jim's professional life was marked by his 42 years as a salesman at Great Lakes Pump and Supply Company and Aircentric Corporation.  Here he excelled in sales of pump and heat exchangers for the automotive companies. Jim was frequently the top salesperson for the company and enjoyed Caribbean and golfing trips with Cathy as a result.  During the 1970's, Jim was deeply involved in the Northville Jaycees as a member and held the offices of director, vice president and president at the local, district, regional, and state level. He was awarded for his achievements with a lifetime membership in the Jaycee Senate.  Jim was also very active within the Northville community.

Jim's passions included cars, dancing, tennis, racquetball, golf and cheering on the Detroit Grand Prix and sports teams – Lions, Pistons, and Tigers, college football team – Titans, Wolverines, and Spartans, and serving as Captain of his pontoon boat stationed at Canadian Lakes. Jim and Cathy loved animals and had many different family dogs and cared for other visiting dogs, over the years. He cherished each and every one.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Cathy of 53 years, and brother Raymond, and sister Carole. He was a very caring and loving uncle to nieces Jennifer Totzkay, Nicole (Totzkay) Pelton, and Carolina Totzkay; nephews Daniel Totzkay, Jr. and Benjamin Sitar, and their children. Jim loved a celebration and made it a point, whenever possible, to attend many of their events over the years.

Sadly, Jim is preceded in death by siblings, brother Daniel and sister Marilyn (Totzkay-Gilman), brother-in-law, Robert Gilman; nephews Jeremy Strong and Michael Totzkay.

It was Jim's wish to be cremated and interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan.  A graveside service for Jim will be Saturday, August 31, 11 am.  Everyone is invited to join his family at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  Please meet inside the gates of the cemetery and together a procession will take everyone to the grave for the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , American Heart Association , and Michigan Humane Society .  Links have been provided for your convenience.

Please keep Cathy and the entire Totzkay family in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.