James Alphonsus Palmer

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan to John and Armella (Simon) Palmer and graduated from St. Rose Catholic High School. He joined the U.S. Army following high school and served during the Korean War. After the military, Jim started working at Gross Pointe Fire Department as an EMS tech and retired as assistant fire chief. He also worked at Equifax as an insurance investigator for more than 30 years.

His family always came first and they say he was the best husband, dad and poppy. Travel, fishing, Detroit Red Wings and the outdoors were some of Jim’s favorite hobbies. He was known for his storytelling and a lifelong love of practical jokes.

Jim is survived by three children Lynne (Steve) King, Lisa (Dolfi) Herscovici, James (Dawn) Palmer; grandchildren Ashley (Adam) Simon, Steven (Ashley) King, Kirsten Palmer, Derek Herscovici, Blaze Palmer, Jake Herscovici, Brad Herscovici, Troy Herscovici, and great grandson Everett Simon; his wife of four years, Constance (Connie Todoroff) Palmer, a childhood friend; his brother Francis (Patricia) Palmer, sister Ruth (Donald) Schmill and sister

in-law Eleanor Tocco.

Jim is predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Catherin Tocco, his parents, and sisters Eleanor (Greg) Kolioupoulos and Madeline (Phil) Hurlahee.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Alzheimer’s research or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.