James Paul Straka

James Paul Straka passed away peacefully at the age of 72, on July 17, 2026, in his Northville, Michigan home.

Jim was born on May 30, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Louis and Helen Straka. He was also preceded in death many years ago by his late wife, Ludmila.

Jim is survived by his loving children, son Christopher, devoted daughter Stephanie (Tony) Hunt of Texas, and son, Jimmy Jr. He was also preceded in death by his eldest and beloved son, Nicholas, who passed in 2015. More recently, Jim also was preceded in death by his special godmother, Helen Palazzolo and her husband, Salvatore, to whom he was very close.

Jim leaves behind beloved granddaughters, Maddie and Aly of Texas, beloved sisters, Carolyn (Patrick) Coffey, Patricia (Robert) Keon, special niece Kimberly (Daniel) Goodman and beloved grandniece, “Maggie” and many more relatives and friends. He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his sister and brother, Kathleen and David.

Jim started working as a young teen in Detroit, in many various jobs. After moving to Plymouth in 1970, He graduated from Plymouth Salem High School and then proudly became a member of Local 36 Elevator Union where he retired.

Throughout his life he enjoyed his boat and fishing in local lakes. He especially cherished the vacations he and Chris spent with Stephanie and her family in Texas, and the many great memories, including chartered boat excursions.

While younger, Jim enjoyed camping Up North in Michigan, and riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. He also enjoyed building personal computers when the technology was emerging in its early infancy.

Jim also loved reading, especially all things aeronautical, and attending air shows. An avid fan of the Detroit Red Wings always, but he had an unwavering devotion to the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. Jim loved to passionately debate about both teams, the games and players.

Jim gladly and generously helped others, be it building a deck, solving an electrical problem or landscaping a yard.

His quick wit and humor was one of his greatest attributes. He enjoyed family gatherings and after he retired, also loved cooking many Polish recipes, handed down from his mother.

Jim’s family will cherish the memories they shared with him, and deeply miss his presence in their lives.

Services to honor Jim and his life were held privately.