James Patrick Curran Jr.

James P. “Jim” Curran Jr. passed away on Saturday, March 16 in East Lansing, Michigan at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Boucher) Curran, his sons James III (Polly), Benjamin (Masato) and Daniel, his grandchildren Liam, Sean and Tara, and his sister Hilda Patricia Curran. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Margaret Mary, his older sister Judith and his twin sister Bridget.

Born to Dr. James and Hilda (Walsh) Curran in Amsterdam, New York, Jim grew up in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1963. He met Carolyn as a graduate student at Wayne State University, where he received his Masters in 1967. Jim and Carolyn were married in 1966.

Jim devoted a long and distinguished career to public service. He began at New Detroit and later held senior positions with Wayne County and the State of Michigan. He was elected to the Grosse Pointe City Council and was appointed to the Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2015 to 2017. At the time of his death, he was on the Board of Directors of Mid-Michigan Recovery Services.

At 6’6” tall with red hair, “Big Jim” had a big heart to match. He was happiest telling stories and helping others. His quick wit and words of wisdom will be a big part of his legacy.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 to 12:30, with a memorial service from 12:30 to 1:00, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 East Michigan Ave., Lansing, Michigan on Thursday, March 28. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Greater Lansing Food Bank (greaterlansingfoodbank.org) or Mid-Michigan Recovery Services (www.midmichiganrecoveryservices.org).