James Irvin Marshick

James Irvin Marshick passed away on May 26, 2023.

He was born on June 12, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Irvin and May Marshick. He was the beloved and devoted husband to the love of his life, Francesca P. Marshick. They were married for 47 years and together they raised a daughter that was their pride and joy. He was blessed with two fantastic grandsons Franco and James, who he loved with everything he had. He never missed a game or event for them and spent his free time teaching them how to enjoy many of the past times he loved like chess, golfing, and bowling to name a few. He spent hours and hours with his Grandson James doing puzzles and mazes and never missed a chance to play a game of catch with his Grandson Franco. 

James graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960 and was a highly regarded athlete and exemplary student. He was voted best leader by his Senior class and led the school as the Class President, while also being a part of the Varsity Club, starring as the lead in the school play, and he earned his Varsity letters in Track & Field, Football, and Wrestling. He remained close to his grade school and high school friends throughout his entire life, maintaining those friendships all the way to the end. His loyalty was unmatched, and his leadership abilities were apparent in everything he did. 

Shortly after high school, James joined the United States Air Force where he was almost immediately promoted to Pad Chief.  His Squad leader described him as "an industrious individual who displayed outstanding potential in becoming one of the Air Force's greatest missile technicians I've ever seen." For these efforts, he was awarded the honor of Airman of the Month and was formally presented with an award. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the beginning of the Vietnam War and was a proud member of the VA and American Legion. 

After coming home from the Air Force, he volunteered as a police officer for the Centerline Police Department and aided the Detroit Police during the Detroit Riots. He co-owned and worked at the family business IDJ Automotive as an Engine Machinist with his brother David and father Irvin until the age of 70. They took part in building engines for many race cars, hot rods, speed boats, and specialty vehicles. Due to their precision, craftsmanship, and many years in business, James and his brother David are still highly regarded in the industry today. 

James also lovingly looked after his wife, and in his early years, filled his days with all the activities he enjoyed like bowling, golfing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, camping, dune buggying, and boating. He was often found camping in an RV and loved to explore the wilderness. He frequently enjoyed boating with the family and spent many weekends on the water with family and friends. 

He led a very active life; and if he was going to be a part of something, he was going to run it. He was a soccer coach for many years and later went on to create a travel team after becoming the AYSO Region 125 Commissioner to which he served for various years. While serving as commissioner he was instrumental in bringing about several activities that are still in place for the organization today. Once his coaching and commissioner duties ended, he became a certified soccer referee and after his daughter stopped playing soccer he continued to act as a referee for both AYSO and local high schools. He was also a very active member of the booster club at Chippewa Valley and served as a PTO President for his daughter's elementary school. He dearly loved bowling with his friends and family and acted as the league president and secretary in a league that is still thriving today. His involvement and contributions to the community were widespread and long-lasting. 

Above all else, family was absolutely everything to James. He was a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews and he deeply loved his parents and siblings. He was overjoyed to inherit his daughter's in-laws and loved them as his own family. He was a cherished husband to Francesca; beloved father to Joanna (Joe) DiNello; proud grandfather to Franco and James DiNello; loved brother-in-law to Anne (late: John) Castiglione and is joined in Heaven by his loving parents, May and Irvin Marshick, brothers and sisters David (Linda) Marshick, Diane (James) Thompson, and Kenneth (Joyce) Holmes. He will be lovingly missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends which he loved so much. 

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