James Zygmunt Terebus

On June 20, 1931, an innovator was born in Detroit to Zygmunt Terebus and Martha (Mc Closky) Terebus. He would grow up to take a success journey that spanned nine decades. Jim was a very creative problem solver with a curious mind and passion for knowledge that never left him.

A veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Jim started learning his lifelong skill of becoming an electrician. Following his experience in the military and in vocational school he became a journeyman electrician. This led him to his career as an electrical engineer in the automotive industry. After setting his eyes on Dolores, he was certain he had met the love of his life. They danced through 70 years of marriage and were blessed with seven children along the way.

In addition to being an electrical engineer, he co-owned a laundromat, Jim and Dolores owned Jimmy’s Market, became a licensed financial planner, and investor. Inventing many things over the years, Jim invented a patented medical device, which he presented to Shark Tank at the age of 89. Other accomplishments included Quality of Work Life programs, Adventurers in Attitudes, Toastmasters, Dale Carnegie, and being a STEP parenting program facilitator.

Along the way, he enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, soap box derby, and a deep love of music that spanned the decades. Jim had an incredible knack of tinkering…if it were broken, he could fix it, even if it wasn’t pretty! His insatiable desire to read and learn, lead to his extensive library collection. Above all, his love of family beginning with the Queen Bee, Dolores, was the love of his life.

James was the beloved husband of Dolores. Loving father of Jim (Patty), Susette (Tim) Hart, Denice (John) Pysh, Renee (Andy) Pokoj, Ed (Kanjana), Jacqueline Terebus, and Rosette (Mark) Thomas. Adored grandfather of 23 and great-grandfather of 19. Dear brother of the late Louise (Bill) Smith. Cherished uncle of Brian (Heather) Smith, Jennifer (Greg) Smith Howard, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation for James will be held Tuesday, January 17th from 3-9pm with a 7pm Scripture Service at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, MI. He will lie In State on Wednesday, January 18th at 10:30am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 31555 Hoover Rd, Warren, MI. Burial will take place Thursday, January 19th at 9:00am sharp at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Please arrive within the gates at least 15 minutes prior.

Memorial donations are appreciated to either the Weston A Price Foundation (https://www.westonaprice.org/donation) or to St. Martin De Porres Church Warren, MI.

Please share memories of James at his guest book below. Condolences and photos shared will be put into a Remembrance Book for the family.