James (Jim) H. Wenz Jr.'s Obituary
James (Jim) H. Wenz Jr., age 89, of St. Clair, formerly of Algonac, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on December 14, 2024. Jim was born in Hart Plaza in Detroit on July 22, 1935 to the late James Sr., and Florence Wenz. He was a graduate of East Detroit High School class of 1953. Jim married the love of his life, Prem Platt on September 8, 1973. He worked for Chrysler at the Warren Stamping Plant as a Tool & Die Maker. Jim dedicated 48 years of service with Chrysler, proudly having the highest seniority when he retired in 2000. Family was everything to Jim. He loved being with Prem, and truly cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Jim loved to dance, with a ballroom style, a polka with brightness in his eyes showcasing his partner; when you heard the music, you would find Jim on the dance floor. He, Prem and family would take camping trips, visiting various state parks all over Michigan. Trips overseas to Ireland and Scotland with a rare glass of ale and stories to share. When he retired, Jim and Prem would spend the winters camping at paradise park in Punta Gorda, FL. That was a tradition they enjoyed for 25 years. Living on the north channel of the St. Clair River in Algonac, Jim found peace on the water. He liked boating, taking the kids swimming in the river, enjoying nature's beauty from his home. He was a loving adoring husband, proud father of 3 striving to better us individually, enjoyed teaching his grandkids the olden ways, his love of dogs, ultimately being a tremendous provider and hard worker.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Prem Wenz; children, Elaine (Ben) Wenz Hackett, Sandra (Tony) DeZelia, Stuart Wenz; grandchildren, Tristan and Declan St. Peter, William DeZelia, Eric Hackett; siblings, Sally Bulbuk, Florence Lenhardt, Louis (Cathy) Wenz; in-laws, Kate Cummings, Evelyn (Jim) Eustis, Iris (George) Dougans, Etta (Duncan) Bain, Andy (Carolanne) Platt, as well as many special nieces, nephews, family members and friends both local and abroad.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Shirley (Donald) Kemp; brothers-in-law, Dan Bulbuk, Frank Lenhardt, Clive Cummings, Ernie Platt; son-in-law, Timothy St. Peter.
A celebration of life service will take place on Sunday, December 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. with a luncheon following. Visiting hours will be Saturday, December 21st from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. Clair County Humane Society, SNAP. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
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