James J. Potoczak

James J. Potoczak, December 2, 2011. Beloved husband of Loretta, his wife of 44 years. Loving father of Todd and the late Terri. He is survived by his loving sisters, Rose (Lawrence) Kulik of Canton, MI and Monica (William) Reinhold of Fishers, IN and a brother, the late Leonard Potoczak. Dearest brother-in-law of JoAnn Potoczak of Dearborn, Dolores Cwik of Dearborn, Henry (Karen) Kopicko of Plymouth, & Elaine (Henry) Micallef of Ann Arbor. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, & many beloved friends. Jim was the son of the late Andrew & the late Stella Potoczak of Dearborn. Jim graduated from Dearborn St. Alphonsus High School in 1962 where he excelled in track and cross country. He graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He earned a Masters degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1975 and an Educational Specialist degree from Wayne State in 1992. Jim taught science in junior high and high school in the Garden City school district for 35 years. He was greatly respected by his colleagues and very much appreciated by his students. He earned numerous teaching awards as a popular and dedicated educator. He was Senior Class Sponsor and taught Drivers Education during the summer. Jim was an outstanding athlete. In track, he set the high school record for a quarter mile. He also excelled at football, baseball, & hockey. Later on, he became an adept golfer. In addition to playing sports, he enjoyed watching them as well. He cheered on the the Tigers, Red Wings, Lions, Pistons, & Wolverines. Jim was an avid fisherman for many years & loved his several annual fishing trips to Canada. He ran the clock for football games for over 30 years at Garden City West and later Garden City High School. He also enjoyed travel, particularly to warm places during the winter. He had a green thumb and always raised a terrific garden with tasty fruits & vegetables every year. He was a loving and dedicated family man, a helpful neighbor & a wonderful friend to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 9 at 1:00 pm at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 31551 Ford Rd., Garden City. The family will greet friends from 10 am until time of service. Interment will take place at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Hts., MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN) (www.pancan.org) or to a charity of your choice. Please share of memory of Jim with his family by signing his guestbook. Funeral Home: R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services - GC 31551 Ford Rd. Garden City, MI US 48335