January 9, 1957 – August 15, 2025
Humble, wise, and generous husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at his lakefront home on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by love.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Jim was the son of Alma and Clinton McCrea. His life was shaped by deep loss early on—his mother passed away when he was just four years old, and his father when he was fifteen. Despite these hardships, Jim showed remarkable resilience and strength. He worked as a paperboy, mowed lawns, and held jobs at the neighborhood pharmacy and pizzeria to help support himself and his sister, Mary Ellen, allowing them to remain in their family home in Redford until each married.
Jim married the love of his life, Sara Jane Genova, on August 20, 1990. Together, they built a beautiful life, moving to Dexter, Michigan in 1991 with their three sons and later welcoming a daughter and another son. They raised their children in a close-knit community, forming lifelong friendships and memories.
Jim worked as a diesel mechanic for SEMTA (SMART) and AATA for 37 years, retiring in 2016 due to health challenges. In 2022, he received a kidney transplant, which sadly failed due to complications, returning him to dialysis. A man of many passions, Jim loved woodworking, tinkering in his garage, boating, sailing, and driving his Corvette. He was a devoted fan of NASCAR, the Detroit Red Wings, and his daily newspaper. But above all, Jim cherished time with his family, friends, and pets. He found joy in watching his grandchildren grow, sharing stories, and making others laugh with his practical wisdom and humor.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Sara; his children: Emma McCrea, Clinton (Bailey) McCrea, Duffy (Emily) Fair, Jason (Channon) Fair, and Paul Fair; and his nine adored grandchildren: Austin Gibson, Roman, Grady, Ezekial, Bronson, Tyson, Cooper, Jolie Fair, and Cameron McCrea. He also leaves behind many dear friends—Mark and Shelly, Patty, Jay, Bob, Carl, Jeff, Matt, Dale, Devin, Danny, and Jamie—and his cherished dogs, Elsa and Lois.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Ellen; his friends, Lanny and Jeff, and many beloved pets.
If you were fortunate enough to know Jim, you carry with you his legacy of generosity, humility, and wisdom—always practical, always kind, and often delivered with a smile and a story.
A special and deeply felt thank you to Shannon and Ed at Chelsea DaVita Dialysis, Kristen K. and the Henry Ford Transplant Team, and the many friends and neighbors who have offered their care, kindness, and support over the years. Your compassion made a meaningful difference in Jim’s life and in ours, and we are forever grateful.
Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m.
A luncheon will follow from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Dexter, 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd, Dexter, MI 48130.
In lieu of sympathy, donations may be made to: the Humane Society of Huron Valley, and/or Dexter Community Fund , checks can be made to Dexter Community Fund, AAACF, 301 N. Main St., Suite 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
