Jim was the first of five children born to Thomas J. Longe and Loretta C. Longe (Wagner). He was born on October 23, 1930 in Detroit, MI.
Jim studied for the priesthood for 4 years at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, before entering the University of Detroit. College was interrupted by 3 years in the Army Intelligence Agency during the Korean Conflict from 1951 through 1953, with the 328th Communication Recon Company in Bavaria, Germany. He returned to college under the GI Bill and graduated with a BA degree in Economics and Business Administration in 1959.
Jim met his beautiful wife, Rose Marie, on a blind date. After a year, she knew he was the one, thus the beginning of a beautiful life together. They were married 57 years and raised 3 beautiful children. Christopher Longe is an Architect in Birmingham. Kenneth Longe is a CAD Engineer and Supervisor in the Design Office of Chrysler. And Lisa Longe is in the IT business.
Jim’s work experience entailed accounting, advertising, manufacturing and finance. After 6 years with McManus, John & Adams Advertising Agency and 3 years with Ferro Stamping, he joined GMC Truck and Bus in Pontiac, MI. He retired from GM in 1988 as Regional Business Management Manager for the Western Region.
Jim and his family loved the ocean and spent most of their family vacations in Florida. That inspired him and Rose Marie to move to Naples, Florida, 23 years ago, from Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Jim was always the perfect gentlemen: always a kind word, very charitable and devoted to his family. His main hobby was maintaining the happiness of his family and home; happiest when surrounded by his wife, kids and grandkids. He was always easy to like and became an instant friend of someone he had just met.
Next to family, Notre Dame football games ranked high on his list of priorities. The sun set and rose on them. Weekend plans were often altered if the Fighting Irish were playing!
And finally, Jim had an incredible passion and talent for building and repairing anything, anywhere, for anybody. And always the perfectionist. He inherited his ‘building’ background from his Father, which he passed on to both of his sons.
Jim was pure love and the heart and soul of his family. He will always be loved and missed.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2013 at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon St, Birmingham, with military honors by the U.S. Army. The family will receive visitors at the church from 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Donations may be made to Gleaners Community Food Bank, 2131 Beaufait, Detroit, MI 48207.
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