Obituary of BJ Eugene Lucas
BJ Eugene Lucas was born in Westland, Michigan on January 13, 1982. He was the only son of five children born from the union of Russell Eugene Lucas and Teresa Ann (Nicolai) Lucas. He attended Jefferson High School. Although he did not graduate with his class he was proud to have obtained his GED from the Lenawee County Adult Education Program later in life. He continued his education at Jackson Community College where he excelled and spent several semesters on the Dean’s List.
BJ was married to the former, Jenna Marie Cuthbert at the former Monroe Apostolic Church on April 14, 2002, by Pastor Kevin Hosch. He was special and blessed as a wonderful husband and doting father to his three children. He enjoyed building and racing RC cars and video games with his children. His faith was very important to him as he often worshipped at Gracepoint United Pentecostal and Hope Church of Monroe. He shared scripture with his children, teaching them about the love of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for them.
For many years, BJ worked in the transportation industry; from truck driver to Hi-Lo Driver, until he finally found his place as a diesel mechanic. Even as a young boy, BJ had been fascinated by automobiles. He was a talented backyard mechanic, but the past year he had been employed at the TA Travel Center working on semis and was even a mentor to others teaching them the trade.
BJ and Jenna made their home on Bird Lake in Hillsdale from 2011 until 2017. It was here that he was most at peace. He loved the outdoors, whether hunting or fishing. He loved to make others smile and laugh, often having a great story about his hunting excursions to Pickney with his father or a tall fish tail to tell. BJ shared many memories with his nieces and nephews whom he adored he could be counted on to teach them the proper way to filet and cook their daily catch.
BJ was sweet, kind, and thoughtful. Being positive and uplifting, he believed in second chances and put the needs of others around him ahead of his own, usually at his personal expense.
BJ Eugene Lucas, age 41 of Monroe passed away unexpectedly on Monday; September 11, 2023. His passing was preceded by his grandparents; a niece: Autumn Workman; a nephew: Russell Workman; and a great nephew: Hayden Clark.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of twenty-one years: Jenna Marie Cuthbert-Lucas of Monroe; three children: Shelby Marie Lucas, Cobra Eugene Lucas, and Baylee J. Lucas all of Monroe; his parents: Russell and Teresa Lucas; four sisters: Gail (Brian) Smith of Monroe, Amy (Lorenzo) James of Monroe, Tammy (Michael) Workman of Dundee, and Nina Kukwa of Dundee; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own.
Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 5:00pm on Sunday; September 17, 2023 at Gracepoint United Pentecostal Church; 2535 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 5:00pm with Pastor Andrew Leaman officiating. His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Lucas family to assist with funeral arrangements. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.