James Grifka

James Joseph Grifka, age 61, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Jim was born September 28, 1948 in Cass City, the son of the late Alex J. & Olive Mary (Stepka) Grifka, and lived the majority of his life in this area. He served in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. After his discharge from the Army, Jim was united in marriage with the former Elaine Schroeder on April 18, 1970 in Friberg, Michigan. Jim was first employed with Saginaw Steering Gear for over forty years, retiring from Delphi in August of 2006. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro, a religious education teacher for twenty years and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Caro Council #3224. Jim enjoyed being with his family, hunting, bowling, watching football, playing golf with his brothers or watching Tiger Woods on television making all the good shots that he couldnt. Surviving are his wife of over thirty-nine years, Elaine Grifka of Caro; five children and their spouses, Joseph Grifka of Caro, Sheila & Greg Polzin of Atlanta, GA, Michael & Mandy Grifka of Saginaw, Maria & Jeff Williams of Lansing, Theresa Grifka of Atlanta, GA; three grandchildren, McKenzie Polzin, Abigail and Emily Grifka; four brothers, two sisters and their spouses, Tony & Jean Grifka of Ubly, William & Mary Grifka of Chelsea, Ron & Audrey Grifka of Ubly, Kay Muma of Snover, Ann & Walt Shatto of Snover, Tom Grifka of Sandusky, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister, Alan, Richard and Lee Grifka, and Mae Grifka.