Obituary of James "Jim" Phoenix

James “Jim” Phoenix was born on January 23, 1946, in Findlay, Ohio. He was the third oldest of ten children, born from the union of Carlos L. and Lillie E. (Hamlin) Phoenix.  Jim would complete two years of college courses. He married the love of his life, the former JaneAlice Venzke on April 21, 1989, in Monroe, Michigan. The couple would be blessed with twenty-four happy years together. To support his family, Jim worked many years in security.

Jim never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He could often be seen sitting on his porch, striking up a conversation with any willing passerby. As a man of unwavering faith, he was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church, Monroe, where he served as a church elder and participated in the prayer chain. Serving the Lord was important to Jim, so he became a Prayer Warrior, offering good intentions to those that needed it.

In his free time, Jim proudly belonged to many organizations, from a garden club to a history club, as a younger man he even belonged to the Good Time Cruisers car club. Jim was an avid collector of lighthouses.

James “Jim” Phoenix, age 76, of Monroe, passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Promedica Regional Hospital. His passing was preceded by his wife: JaneAlice; his loving dachshund, Duchess; his parents; two brothers; and one sister. 

To cherish his memory, he leaves two stepdaughters: Lee Braden and Eva Joshua; nine grandchildren: Adrienne (Gabe) Ault, Tate Beumel, Ashley (Derek) Barron, Faith Harris, Brooke Harris, Jordany Vega, Yadira Vega, Jaden Vega, Alexis Joshua; four great grandchildren: Dawson Ault, Aubree Ault, Kora Barron, and Atticus Scott; and special friends: Kevin & Pat Hemry, and the whole Hemry family.

Friends may gather on Sunday; November 6, 2022, from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Jim will lie in state at Trinity Lutheran Church; 323 Scott Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161 on Monday; November 7, 2022, from 10:00am until 11:00am. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am with Pastor Dennis Mann officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial. 

Donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Monroe County Humane Society.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration or comfort or to share a photo.