Obituary of James Douglas Villaire

James D. Villaire, 81, of Niles, MI passed away Friday, November 27, 2020 at his home surrounded by loved ones. James, better known as Jim, was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 4, 1939 to parents Francis and Yvonne (Raymond) Villaire. After graduating from St. Mary of Redford High School, Detroit, Michigan. Jim went on to serve in the United States Army, spending much of that time in Germany. Once discharged, Jim returned to the United States and joined the U.S. Army Reserves. Jim co-founded Motion Savers, Inc. He was a mechanic, design engineer, and a successful salesman. He began a career selling industrial material handling equipment. He remained in this industry until his retirement in 2001. In 1988, Jim wed JoAnn (Feick) Osborne. They recently celebrated 32 years of marriage. After retirement, Jim and JoAnn purchased their beloved motor home and spent several months out of the year traveling across North America. They also spent time at their property in Yuma, Arizona. Jim was the consummate outdoorsman. He spent many weekends camping, canoeing, hunting and scuba diving with friends and family. Jim had a personality bigger than life. He was very charismatic- always looking for the next joke or prank to laugh about. Jim made up nicknames for just about every person he met. Jim is survived by his wife, JoAnn of Niles; his children, Jacqueline (Dave) Desposato of West Bloomfield, Michigan; Francis (Deanne) Villaire of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; Christine Villaire of Hobart, Indiana; and Steve (Christine) Villaire of Buchanan, Michigan. He is survived by JoAnn’s children, Greg (Jana) Osbourne of Buda, Texas and Barry (Betty) Osborne of Shelby Township, Michigan. He is also survived by many beloved grandchildren. He will be missed by his two brothers, David Villaire of Torrance, California and Marty (Sherry) Villaire of Los Angeles, California. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Raymond Villaire and Philip Villaire. Due to COVID-19, a private viewing and mass will take place at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Niles, Michigan. Jim will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ira Township, Michigan on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Jim have been asked to consider The ALS Association Michigan Chapter. Donations can be made at their website: webmi.alsa.org. Jim’s funeral service will be available for viewing Tuesday evening by visiting the website www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.