James Michael DAVIDEK

DAVIDEK, James Michael - Age 66, beloved son of the late Marie Sevick Davidek and the late John Frank Davidek, died peacefully in his sleep at Greenley Square Manor in Burton, Michigan on Thursday, May 7, 2009. James was born in Pennsylvania on January 11, 1943. As a teenager, James was the first person with disabilities hired by the McDonald's Corporation. Despite a lifelong struggle with epilepsy (James was diagnosed at the age of 8 months), he went on to have a 22-year career as a custodian with General Motors Institute/Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. A very popular figure at GMI/KU; James' patriotism and love of country inspired him to regularly donate US flags that had been flown over the US Capitol building in Washington, D.C. These flags were then flown over the buildings on the campus of GMI/KU. While on vacation at Mackinac Island, James was the victim of a robbery that left him with a traumatic brain injury. This event led to James' early retirement and allowed him to merge his love of travel with his love of family and friends. Over the years, James traveled through most of the US, much of Europe, including a visit with his mother to the place of her birth in the Czech Republic. He also traveled to parts of Canada and Mexico, the Bahamas, as well as Morocco and Egypt. James especially enjoyed cruising in the Caribbean and spending time in the sun and surf with family in South Florida. One favorite trip was a cross-country drive from Flint, Michigan to the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho where he spent time with family at the M-M Ranch (summer home of James' niece and her husband and two daughters). James is survived by a loving extended family including: oldest brother, Lt. Col. (Ret) Leonard Davidek of Upper Arlington, OH, wife Martha and their three adult children; sister, Mary Ann Davidek Buffone of Boca Raton, Florida, husband Peter and their five adult children; brother, Lt. Col. (Ret) William Davidek of Gahanna, OH, wife Rita and their three adult children; as well as James' twin brother, John C. Davidek of Flint, MI, wife Svetlana and their son, as well as two adult children from a previous marriage. James was also a beloved uncle and great-uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Recitation of the Rosary and Visitation will be on Sunday, May 10, 2009 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI, 48473 (810) 239-8800. James' life will be celebrated in the Eucharist during the Holy Sacrifice of Mass on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 11:00 am at Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church, 1227 East Bristol Road, Burton, MI, 48529 (810) 743-3050, Rev. Fr. Tim MacDonald, celebrant. Family and friends of James Davidek are invited to attend this joyful celebration of a life well-lived and a man well-loved. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Condolences and tributes may be posted to the obituaries page of sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Sunday, May 10, 2009 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States

Funeral Service

Monday, May 11, 2009 11:00 AM
Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church
1227 East Bristol Rd Burton 48529, United States