Rev. James C. Scheick

Reverend James C. Scheick, age 86, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, in the compassionate care of the IHM Senior Living Community and Heartland Hospice in Monroe. He was Born March 24, 1937, in Monroe, he was the son of Clarence G. and Clara M. (Geiger) Scheick. He attended St. Mary Grade School, and then enrolled at Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit and St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth Twp. He was ordained as a priest June 1, 1963, and celebrated his first Mass at the chapel of the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe. Fr. Jim served as assistant pastor at St. Brigid Parish in Detroit (1963-73), and co-pastor of St. Gerard Parish, Detroit (1973-80). He served as pastor of St. Edith Parish, Livonia, from 1980 – 2000, he was then named pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Grosse Ile where he served until being granted senior status in 2008. Fr. Jim loved nature and spending time outdoors hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, and swimming was a big part of his daily life. In the forest, on the beach, on the water, or in it, he was at home in nature. Celebrating a mass on the lakeshore during a family vacation was a tradition that carried on throughout his lifetime. The family spent many a summer night with him watching for the elusive “green flash” sunset over Lake Michigan. He enjoyed caring for plants and animals as well, nurturing them like he nurtured so many people during his service to the church. Fr. Jim loved music, arts, and literature. In his early life he played the banjo and later took piano lessons. He collected hundreds of albums over his lifetime, and always had a good book in hand. He sometimes volunteered at Detroit area theaters so that he had more opportunities to enjoy the talents of the performers. While he was clearly devoted to the church, he was also dedicated to his family and friends. He presided over many weddings, baptisms, confirmations, and funerals throughout his lifetime and celebrated every holiday in the company of those he loved. Fr. Jim was a wonderful priest and made many dear friends during his time at each parish he served. Above all, he was a wonderful human being that understood the challenges that life brings and showed all who knew him how to embrace those challenges and make the best of every day we have together in our earthly existence. Fr. Jim is survived by two siblings, Shirley R. Bitz of Monroe and Robert L. (Marilyn) Scheick of Sylvania: six nieces and nephews, Lori (Tom) Tibai of Monroe, Julie (Dave) Blaida of Temperance, Jim (Mary) Bitz of Monroe, Mark (Sheila) Scheick of Ottawa Lake, Jeff Scheick of Toledo and Amy (Josh) Gasaway of Ottawa Lake, priest brother and friend Fr. Joe Romano, and many great nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Joseph Bitz. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI 48161 where Deacon Michael Stewart will recite the Rosary at 7 p.m. Fr. Jim will lie in state at 9 a.m. Tuesday at St. Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154, with Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. with celebrant Archbishop Allen Vigneron, homilist Fr Denis Theroux and Deacons Ric Misiak and Fred Billotto. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Manna Community Meal or IHM Sisters. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Rev. James C. Scheick

March 24, 1937 - February 11, 2024