James David Little

James "Jim" David Little, age 83, of Ann Arbor, MI, passed from this life on June 18 2024 after an extended illness. Jim was born within a few minutes of his twin brother Jerry, on April 16,1941 to Agnes and Robert Little of Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from De La Salle High School. He served in the National Guard, graduated from St. Cloud State University and then earned an MSW from the University of Michigan. Jim was an advocate for the less fortunate throughout his life. He pursued a career in mental health and was active in the substance abuse community. He taught criminal justice at Wayne State University and at Wayne Community College. He also worked for a year in Ireland, sharing his expertise as well as learning about their criminal justice system. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed being active. He played football in high school, took up running in the 70’s, completing two Detroit Marathons in the late 70’s. He ran and worked out the entirety of his life. He loved watching sports especially Michigan Football, the Lions and the Tigers. He found tremendous enjoyment in spending time with family too. He was a great listener, a good storyteller and a strong source of encouragement.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sheila (McSweeny) Little; sister, Mary Ellen (Little) Rourke; children and partners, Sarah Little, Rebecca (Little) Johnson, Victoria (Bernreuter) and Jorge Martinez, and Eric and Kimberly (Bentley) Bernreuter; grandchildren, Maher Al-Sheikh Jr., Mary (Al-Sheikh) and Kyle Bachelder, Grace Al-Sheikh, Kate Al-Sheikh, Sydney Johnson, Victor Martinez, Joaquin Martinez, and Clara Bernreuter; and great-grandchild, Nicole Bachelder. Jim was preceded in passing by his parents, Agnes and Robert Little; and brothers, Robert D., John C. "Jack", and Jerome "Jerry" Little.

Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor. Memorial Mass will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 at 10:30am (Memorial Gathering 10:00am) at St. Mary Student Parish, 331 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor. Burial of Ashes at Historic Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome to be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen or the Salvation Army.