On Monday January 2, James Lee Slater (Jim), loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away at the age of 84.

He leaves behind a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends, who were always entertained by his hilarious sense of humor, countless stories, and laughter. He was a man with a huge heart who touched many lives.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan to Goldie and Charity Slater. After graduating from Cooley High School in 1957, he went on to what was then called Ferris State College. He was a proud member of the Delta Tau Epsilon fraternity (which later became Lambda Chi). He had many fond memories and stories to share of his time at Ferris and loved staying in touch with friends from grammar school, high school and college.

In 1962, Jim married Carol Grennan and they had two children, James Lee Slater II and Cynthia Anne Slater. They lived in Birmingham for many years with their children, dog Kelly, 2 Guinea pigs and a tank of fish. After their divorce, they remained friendly and continued co-parenting.

Later, Jim met Nancy Gail Guyer and they married in 1982. Jim and Nancy created a beautiful home and life together. For 41 years they laughed together, loved each other well and always stood by each other's side. In 1990, Jim and Nancy welcomed a son, Andrew Michael Slater. They raised Andrew in a home filled with love, laughter, good food, friends, family, and lots of crazy, adorable dogs. Their home has always offered everyone a warm welcome, love and good memories.

Jim was the kind of dad, grandparent and uncle who could make anything fun. There are many memories of games he created, visits to the hobby shop, fishing on Green Lake, and trips to Stroh's Ice Cream and Dairy Deluxe. He planned adventures near and far from fossil hunting, train rides, and picnics around the metro area, to jaunts around the corner with something new he discovered. He loved family trips to Frankfort and in his younger days, he always loved a good road trip. He brought people together, created joy and filled the world with love, laughter, and many hilarious voicemail messages.

Jim was also an animal lover. Over the years, he has had many dogs and cats, donated to the Humane Society every Christmas and always made sure the birds and squirrels in the neighborhood were well fed. He leaves behind his best bud, Franklin, who loyally sat with Jim in his chair protecting him from the dangers of the living room, napping, and more importantly waiting for the food that was inevitably coming his way. Jim was notorious for feeding the dogs snacks and goodies from under the table. They always knew who to sit by.

Jim worked for many years in advertising, where he enjoyed the creative nature of the business, the long lunches and the many relationships he built. After leaving the advertising world, Jim began a long adventure as owner of Strictly Varsity. He sold varsity jackets and sweaters to students and schools all over the Detroit area. Jim loved meeting the kids and parents, helping them with their sweaters or jackets and working with the school communities. His storefront eventually closed, but the work continued as a labor of love while he kept serving a smaller number of high schools out of his home (much to Nancy’s chagrin, whose home was now filled with jackets, sweaters, patches and invoices. Note to Nancy: please deliver the last two sweaters.)

His church community was an important part of his life. He was faithful and brought joy, love and laughter to church. He created many bonds with church members and families over the years that were very near and dear to his heart. He was an Elder, chaired many council positions, supported the preschool and church events in any way he could, even if it was just entertaining the kids… they loved Mr. Jim! His church community gave him comfort and support when he needed it, and he knew they would extend comfort and support for Nancy after he was gone.

Jim is survived by his wife Nancy, his three children; James Slater, Cynthia (John) Hatem and Andrew (Claire) Slater, his three grandchildren; Evelyn (26), Meredith (15), and Baby James (11 months), his older brother Jack and his many beloved nephews and nieces.

He was one of a kind. Jim will never be forgotten but forever remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Jim, please consider donating to Michigan Humane Society (https://www.michiganhumane.or…) as he did throughout his life.

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