James A. Pearcy

James Arnold Pearcy was born on February 12, 1926 in New Market, Tennessee to Ulysses Grant and Eda “Edith” Ophelia Pearcy. He was called home to be with God on March 29, 2020. Jimmy as he was known by family and friends was the third eldest of six children whose passing is the end of a family legacy that lives on through three surviving generations. His death was preceded by both parents; sister Mary (Black); brother Ulysses, Jr.; sister Constance (Mackey); sister Gwendolyn (Dunlap); and sister Edith (Lawrence). Sadly, Jimmy was also preceded in death by two daughters, Mary “Pat” (Wallace) in 1990; and Dawn (Hamissou) in 2015; and in December 2019, his wife of over 66 years, Helen Shields Pearcy.

Jimmy moved with his family to Detroit, Michigan from Knoxville, Tennessee at an early age. He was educated in Detroit. In 1953, he was married to Helen and that union was blessed with five daughters: Mary ‘Pat’ Wallace (John); Jacqueline Bonds (Perry); Stephanie Stephens (Liaryl); Michelle Pearcy; and Dr. Dawn Pearcy Hamissou (Razak).

In his early adulthood, Jimmy went to work for the Briggs Corporation, which was later acquired by Chrysler Corporation. He worked in the automotive manufacturing industry as a crane operator and because of his commitment to his fellow UAW Local 212 members, became a Chief Steward and later a Committeeman, representing the membership in human resources and relations on the job. Jimmy was blessed to retire at age 55 but was not content to find a rocking chair to sit in. He tirelessly provided home improvement expertise to many in metro Detroit until he was well into his 70s’.
James Pearcy is survived by his daughters Jacqueline, Stephanie, and Michelle; seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.