Age: 77
STANEK, James T.
Decatur
James T. (Jim) Stanek, age 77, of Decatur, MI passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2015 in Inverness, Florida. Jim was born January 15, 1938 in Decatur, MI, the son of the late Theodore and Helen (Godisak) Stanek. Jim graduated from Lawton High School in 1956 and later received a degree from Western Michigan University before devoting his life to teaching for more than 30 years. Jim was an active member of Gideon's International, and could regularly be found playing his accordion for the seniors at Autumn House in Paw Paw in between his standing lunch reservation at The Chicken Coop. When he wasn't spoiling his favorite dogs Desi and Lucy, he could be seen (apparently, not by the deer) in the woods hunting with his bird-dog in training, Bailey. Jim had a passion for polka music and would regularly tear up the dance floor as a member of the Suncoast Dance Center in Spring Hill, Fla. He had never met a bad time for a game of euchre and always expected you to have a pack of cards handy (seriously, one of you better have a deck at the service). He will be remembered by all in the smell of Irish Spring soap and English Leather cologne; in the sound of cowboy boots on a wood floor and for the quick wit, easy smile and love of orange Tic Tacs he brought to his life. On October 22, 1983 Jim was united in marriage to Linda L. (Kaiser) Wood-Stanek who survives. Jim was beloved by his surviving three daughters, Tina L. Gennaro of Gainesville, FL, Lora (Marco) Wilson of lnverness, FL, and Toni (Gregory) Fountain of Kalamazoo ; three stepA� children, Julie (Larry) Weatherby of Jackson, MI, Bruce (Elena) Wood of Kalamazoo, and Bradley Wood of California; three sisters, Florence (John) Hunt of Paw Paw, Charlotte (Elvin) Adams of Mattawan and Vivian Polomcak of Homosassa, FL. His 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews will remember him fondly and miss the man who was never too busy to play Santa at Christmas. Family will receive friends Tuesday (2/3) 4 to 7 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home in Paw Paw. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 11 a.m. at the Decatur Bible Church (M-51 North) with Rev. David Turley officiating. Interment in Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon's International or Decatur Bible Church.