James J. Sugrue, Iii

James J. “Jay” Sugrue, III, age 77, lifelong resident of Northville, passed away on January 10, 2021. He was born on June 9, 1943 in Washington D.C., son of James J.  and Geraldine (nee Dowd) Sugrue, Jr.  Jay graduated from Northville High School; Class of 1962, Vice President.  Following high school, he attended Ferris State University before joining the United States Army.  He proudly served his country during Vietnam with the 101 ^st Airborne Division.

Jay worked as a truck driver for many years.  He began his career with Ely Fuel in Northville, he also worked for Ford Motor Company before ultimately retiring in 2008 from Metro Transport in Wixom.

Jay attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Northville.  He was an active member of the VFW Post 4012 in Northville where he was in charge of numerous committees but was most proud of his dedication to the Veteran's section at Rural Hill.  He marched in the Fourth of July parades and served many years as Master of Ceremonies for Memorial Day remembrances.  Jay was also a member of the American Legion Post 147, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Northville, and the Elks Lodge in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Jay enjoyed playing sports all his life. He was an avid sports fan and always cheered for his favorite hometown and college teams. Each year he would take his children to watch spring training baseball games in Florida. Early in his life Jay spent his winters in Florida staying warm and enjoying the sunshine, retiring in Punta Gorda, Florida.  His home was always open to his family and friends. You knew that on the lanai people would gather with their favorite beverage in hand to recollect their day and engage in laughter filled conversations. Jay traveled frequently between Colorado, Michigan and within Florida to stay with family, participate in their celebrations, and attend his grand-children’s sporting events. These were the times he cherished most of all.

Jay is survived by his loving children, Joseph (Raquel) Sugrue and Colleen (Jean) LeCompte; his siblings, Jack Dowd (Connie) and Mary Sugrue; and his grandchildren, 2 ^nd Lieutenant Brianna LeCompte, USMC, James LeCompte, Caitlin LeCompte, Riley Sugrue, Matthew Sugrue, and Mallory Sugrue.  He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Pierce Sugrue, his longtime companion, Patricia Theisen, and his parents.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Dr., Northville.  Following the Mass he will be laid to rest in the Veteran section of Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Angel Eyes , 40 West Littleton Blvd., Ste. 210-265, Littleton, CO 80120 or VFW 4012 , 438 S. Main Street, Northville, MI 48167 ATTN: Cemetery Fund Northville.

To live-stream the funeral mass on Friday please visit https://olvnorthville.org/