James "Jim" I. Work II

Jim's memorial service will be at 12:00 PM on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Richfield Church of Nazarene; visitation will begin at 11:00 AM and last until the time of service. Jim's military honors will be at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles - Vassar followed by a luncheon.

Mr. James “Jim” Isaac Work II, age 80, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, MI, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on September 10, 1943, in Lansing, MI, to parents James & Pauline Work. He moved with his parents and 2 older sisters, Pamela and Jacki to Detroit, MI in the 40s. He graduated from Cody High School in Detroit with the class of 1961 where he was a proud participant of the school band and played the drums.

Jim joined the Navy with his best friend, Bill Morgan in 1962. He was part of the Drum & Bugle corps while in basic training. While in the Navy he met and married his first wife Devra with which he raised 3 daughters: Laura, Della & Valerie. Although they eventually separated, they always remained friends. After his term in the Navy, he joined the Detroit Police Academy. He transferred to Livonia Police Department where he spent the rest of his career and retired as a Sargent in 1993. 

He moved to Millington, MI after his retirement where he met the former Chrystal Hopkins at the Country Café in Vassar, MI on November 8, 1994. On their first date they talked, and he had her laughing till the restaurant closed. They had many great adventures together on his motorcycle where they would travel to see friends, family & new places. They married on January 24, 1997 at West Metro Church of the Nazarene in Florida. They spent over 27 years together watching grandchildren growing up and even the addition of great grandchildren. 

Jim was always active in something. Flying helicopters, restoring his motorcycle, working on his classic cars and showing them off at the car shows. Some of his achievements were winning Mr. Livonia 1977, getting inducted into the White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame in 2012 and his many car show awards. On September 30, 2024, he would have celebrated 30 years as a member of the Vassar Eagles Aerie 2380. 

Jim touched many lives in his 80 years. He attended the Richfield Church of the Nazarene for 30 years. Every other Sunday after church he would go to the veteran’s hospital to visit the men there. Friend to just about anyone and always the comedian with his quick wit and sarcasm. He will be sadly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Chrystal G. Work; best friend of 75 years, Bill Morgan; brother, Lloyd (Amy) Work; sister, Sheryl (Patrick) Jenkins; daughters, Laura (Annette) Work, Della (John) Lombardo, Valerie Maynard, and Lisa (Ben) Ewald; grandchildren: Damian, Anthony, Ashlynn, Francesca, Charlie, Madelynn, Brooklynn, Molly, Colt, Cassie, and Lucas; and great-grandchildren, Alannah, and Alayjah.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Pamela Mack, and Jacki K. Work; as well as children, Tracy Hopkins Congdon, and Jeremy Hopkins; and grandson, Jacob Ryan Hopkins. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Jim's daughter Lisa Ewald in the c/o Chrystal G. Work.

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Jim and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington. 4823 Main St, Millington, MI 48746. Phone (989) 871-4591.

Hanlin Funeral Homes - Serving Since 1928

Millington & Vassar