James D. "Jimmy" Rea

James D. “Jimmy” Rea

Age 59, of Northville, formerly of Novi, passed away July 25, 2022. He was born on July 4, 1963 in Detroit, Michigan; son of James D. and Mary Margaret (McIntyre) Rea. Jimmy graduated from Walled Lake Western High School; Class of 1981.  Following high school, he attended Northwood University in Midland where he studied hotel management.  Later in life he went back to school and studied architectural design.

Jimmy worked for many years in the hospitality and restaurant industry doing hotel management, catering, and restaurant management.  Throughout the years he worked at Mariwether’s in Southfield, Roman Terrace in Farmington Hills, the Sheraton Hotel in Novi, and the Italian American Club in Livonia. Many will remember him from Starting Gate in Northville where he was co-owner and worked alongside his family greeting and serving customers.

Jimmy was incredibly social; he would talk to anyone and was known as a friend to many.  He loved dogs and owned many over the years, his current furry companion was his golden retriever, Dominic.  Jimmy enjoyed going out to eat and always took Dominic with him.  As a regular at a few local restaurants, they even made a special meal for the dog.  Jimmy traveled extensively throughout the South, as well as visiting California, Florida, and New Orleans on multiple occasions.  He took many trips with his mom, whom he loved and cared for very much, up north and to Canada.  Jimmy liked to try his luck at the casino and was often successful on the slot machines.  One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family, he especially adored his nieces and his great nieces and great nephews.

Jimmy is survived by his loving brother, Gino R. Rea; his niece, Alicia (John) Sawicki; his great nieces, Courtney Burmiester and Amelia Higgins; his great nephews, Daniel Sawicki and Westin Sawicki; his uncles, Felice Rea and Terry (Vicky) McIntyre; his aunts, Heather (Larry) Reinardy and Katherine Elliot; his golden retriever, Dominic; and many special friends including Lynn Forbing.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his niece Collette Higgins.

The Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  The Funeral Service will be held Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  He will be laid to rest next to his parents at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Michigan Humane , 7887 Chrysler Drive, Detroit, MI 48211 or American Cancer Society , PO Box 10069, Detroit, MI 48210.