James Heleski

Funeral Information

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm with a Memorial service to follow at 2:00 pm at MacAlpine Funeral Home Mac Chapel, followed by a luncheon at Franklin Inn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice. In keeping with James’ wishes, cremation has taken place at Sunset Valley Crematory. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Courtney Manor and special thanks to Jolynn Respondek. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com

Family of the Deceased

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Emilie, daughters Debra Waterhouse (Mark Hoffman) and Jeanie Anello (David Parker), brother Clement, sisters Joyce Regan and Kathy Lowe. Surviving in-laws include Jane Osentoski (Rich, deceased), Jim (Marilyn) Peters, Luci (Martin) Kubacki, Alan (Patty) Peters, Patrick Peters, Aleta Matteson, Brian (Pam) Peters, and Ken (Patti) Peters. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Ed Heleski, sister Dolores (Carl) Berger, sister Marlene (Warren) Meineke, sister Shirley Heleski, and in-laws Bill and Marlene Peters.

Biography

James (Jim) Heleski, 84 of Ubly, was born on October 14, 1941, at home on McAllister Rd, where he would live for the rest of his life. His parents were Martha (Bukoski) and Edward Heleski. He graduated from Ubly High School then attended Michigan State University to study agriculture. He returned to operate the family dairy and crop farm. Jim married Emilie Peters on October 28, 1967. They had two daughters, Debra and Jeanie. Jim later returned to college to earn a business degree and worked at Blue Water Plastics (Caro Manufacturing), as a cost estimator until he retired. He enjoyed serving on the Huron County Board of Review in retirement. In addition to his love of farming and the outdoors, Jim enjoyed gardening, keeping his property beautifully groomed and weed-free. He also enjoyed cutting firewood, cold beer, an occasional round of golf and spending time with his pets, including his beloved dog Snoop and various cats. In his late 20s he became a private pilot and member of the Huron Aviation Club, delighting his family with Cessna rides over the Thumb.

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