Obituary: James (Jim) Francis Curley

photo provided by Colleen Curley

James (Jim) Francis Curley passed away peacefully at his home in the loving hands of his devoted wife, Victoria A. (Ball) Curley and family, and went into the hands of The Lord at 3:13 am, November 4, 2014. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Francis J. and Ellen H. (Lennon) Curley, and his brothers, Francis J, and Dr. Robert M Curley. He is survived by his his devoted wife of 49 years, Victoria, two sons, Robert J (Colleen), and John J (Becky), and two daughters Kathleen F (Gabriel Bakun), and Kristin D (Darren Sensely). Jim has 12 loving grand children: Robert John Jr, Kaitlyn, Hope, Dawn, Skylar, Autumn, Brennan, Gabrielle, Genna, Grace, Gessica, and Albert James (AJ).

Jim began his career as a Tool Maker Apprentice for Brown and Sharpe in Rhode Island. Shortly after completing his apprenticeship, Jim moved to Manchester, Michigan as Tool Room Supervisor at Double-A Products, where he met his devoted wife, Victoria. Jim transitioned to Ford Motor Company for 10 years, rising to the level of Superintendent of Maintenance, before fulfilling his life long dream to own his own manufacturing business in 1976; Curley Machined Products, Inc. His final career move came in 1992, when he became the Corporate Director of Manufacturing Engineering for Tecumseh Products, in Tecumseh Michigan. Jim finished his career for Tecumseh Products as Plant Manager of the New Holstein facility, in New Holstein WI.

Jim was an active member of St Mary’s Catholic church in Manchester, Holy Rosary church in New Holstein, WI, and St Anthony’s church in Lakeland, FL. While president of the Manchester Jaycees, he helped the chapter receive many awards, including the prestigious, Gistenger award. He then rose to Chaplain of the Michigan Jaycees. Jim was School Board President and an Athletic Booster for Manchester Schools. Jim was also a third degree Knight for the Knights of Columbus and an active member of the Loyal Order of the Moose.

A celebration of Jim’s life was held Tuesday, November 11th in Lakeland at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. An additional Celebration in Michigan will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Friday, November 21st at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Anthony’s.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.