James Patrick Milne

James "Jim" Patrick Milne, age 70, died Sunday, November 9, 2014 in Clinton Township, Michigan. He was born January 4, 1944 in Palo Alto, California to the late James Milne, Sr. and the late Helen (nee: Warner) Milne.Longtime Business Owner of Jim's Florist in Warren. A longtime resident of Warren, it all began with his elementary years being spent at St. Anne's Catholic School, and culminated in Jim receiving his diploma from Warren High School. Growing up with parents who owned & operated a nursery, it was through their influence that Jim became interested in becoming a florist. And so he did, a business Jim began right out of his parent's garage. From there, the business location changed to the little house on Old Chicago Road, in Warren, that many may remember,…a business that grew from a lot of determination, a compassionate heart, and a flair for design that touched countless lives. Sadly, a fire swept through his store and reduced everything to ashes. Yet out of the ashes, the phoenix arose,…and like the old adage states; "you can't keep a good man down." With much help and support, Jim's business re-opened just around the corner on Mound Road and his expertise was once again "on the market."And Mound Road simply made a lot of sense as that is the stretch of road that Jim has spent years beautifying and bringing his own style of floral design to the median for all to enjoy on their journey down the road. From the countless flowers he planted to the numerous hanging baskets he adorned, the section of highway he cared for helped to infuse a sense of beauty that came from the heart of a citizen who loved his city. Jim was a proud owner & proprietor who recently celebrated being in business for over 50 years. When he wasn't attending to the community's floral needs, Jim enjoyed gardening, cooking, and baking pies. But more than anything, he just plain enjoyed Food,…especially when someone else was preparing it. When it came to eateries, Jim knew of every dining establishment that offered "Something Special" on their menu,…be it fried chicken, blueberry pie, or the best breakfast in town. Like many Michiganders, Jim had his "home away from home" nestled up north in the quiet community of Lewiston. Exchanging the concrete jungle for a little of Michigan's back country provided him with an abundance of precious memories, as well as countless hours of family enjoyment. Instilled with a green thumb at birth, it is his "Lewiston Lodge" where he chose to plant an enormous garden that was replete with most anything one could need for their cooking delight. And as for cooking, Jim's little "getaway pad" also featured the kitchen of a cook's dreams,…big enough to accommodate any cooking or baking pleasures that could be mustered. And because "family" was so important to Jim, the Lodge came furnished with beds galore,…enough to host a family reunion. And of course, there were f-l-o-w-e-r-s…flowers in abundance,…and a pond, the likes of which could soothe the savage beast, and make all your woes and cares simply float away. Jim poured his heart & soul into creating a sanctuary that would provide comfort, laughter, and a storehouse of happy memories,…and naturally, some great food! And everyone would surely agree,…he did just that.Jim was a devout Catholic and dedicated parishioner at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sterling Heights. God gave Jim a servant's heart at birth, but simply used St. Michael to shine the jewel that lived within that heart. He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back,…even though it may have a bit of a blueberry stain on it from the pie he enjoyed earlier that day. He was always cheerful, quite the character, a bit strong-willed, yet always fun to be around. He formulated a nickname for almost everyone he knew,…sometimes it was cute, and sometimes not,…but always shared with a smile. Jim loved being around family and entertaining them, especially on those special occasions like holidays and birthdays. Never having children of his own, God managed to give Jim that extra portion of love that he openly and happily extended at every chance he was given. From his heart…to his creativity, Jim was instilled with a special and unique gift that touched a multitude of lives in so many different ways. When it came to his illnesses, he fought the good fight of faith. But obviously the Lord needed him more, so He called Jim home. His pain is gone, and he now rests in the arms of God,…Safely Home. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.He was the beloved son of the late James Sr. and the late Helen Milne. Loving brother of Barbara Lloyd, Terry (Sandy) Milne, Patricia (Don) Secen, Sharon (Todd) Hay, Randy (Lanette) Milne, the late Tim, and the late Gerry Milne. He is also survived by many loving aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jim's Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12th from 2:30-9pm, with a 7pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile) in Warren. He will lie In State on Thursday, 10:30am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Road, Sterling Hgts., until the time of his Funeral Mass at 11am. Please share memories of Jim at his memory book.