Monroe Bids Farewell to James A. Staelgraeve

News Summary

The community of Monroe mourns the passing of James A. Staelgraeve, a cherished resident and community member. Jim dedicated his life to family, gardening, and serving others, leaving behind a legacy of love and commitment. His contributions to the North Monroe Greenhouse and his active involvement in the community will be fondly remembered. A visitation is scheduled for February 20, 2025, with a Mass to honor his memory the following day.

Monroe Bids Farewell to Beloved Community Member

It is with heavy hearts that the community of Monroe mourns the loss of one of its most cherished residents, James A. Staelgraeve. Jim, as he was affectionately known, passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 79 at Hampton Manor of Bedford. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many who knew and loved him.

A Life Well-Lived

Born on August 24, 1945, Jim Staelgraeve spent his early years in Monroe, raised by his parents Victor and Helena (VanDamme) Staelgraeve. After graduating from Monroe High School in 1964, he devoted his life to his community, his family, and the family business that he helped run for decades.

Jim was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church, a place that undoubtedly shaped his strong values and work ethic. He married his first love, Jan Lanphere, on August 21, 1965, with whom he shared many wonderful years until her passing in October 2001. Love found its way back into his life when he married Melissa Niese on April 28, 2007. Together, they blended their families and made countless cherished memories.

A Legacy in Greenhouse Gardening

Jim’s dedication extended beyond family to his work as one of the proud owners of North Monroe Greenhouse, a beloved family business that has been providing fresh flowers, plants, nursery products, and landscaping services to the community since its establishment in 1939. Jim, alongside his brothers, worked tirelessly at the greenhouse until their retirement in 2007, earning a reputation for his strong work ethic and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Joyful Memories and Passionate Pursuits

Outside of work, Jim was an active enthusiast of tennis, playing the sport for an impressive 40 years. He also loved the great outdoors, often found enjoying nature either at the family cottage or while walking in serene settings. His love for life was evident in everything he did.

A Loving Family Man

Jim is survived by his second wife, Melissa Staelgraeve, his children Julie (Allen) Stein of Monroe and Jonathon (Cathy) Staelgraeve of Northville, as well as his stepchildren: Heather Shaw, Elizabeth (John) Asbury, and Kathryn (Neil) Fahrer. Jim’s legacy continues through his fourteen grandchildren: Ryan, Megan, Kaylee, Kelsey, Joseph, Zachary, Judi, Julian, Aiden, Rivers, Keaton, Olivia, Alaina, and Adalynn. His loving family will forever cherish the memories they built together.

Sadly, he was preceded in death not only by his first wife Jan, but also his beloved parents, and three brothers: Richard, Charles, and Daniel. Jim is survived by his children but is also remembered for the loss of his son James A. Staelgraeve II, grandson Korey Knowles, and daughter-in-law Sonja Staelgraeve.

Final Farewell

The community is invited to pay their respects during visitation on February 20, 2025, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home. A time for reflection will occur at St. Mary Catholic Church on February 21, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. officiated by Rev. Brian Chabala. Jim will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe, where his spirit will remain forever woven into the community fabric he valued so deeply.

For those wishing to honor Jim’s memory, memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. Online condolences and shared memories can be expressed at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Community Remembers a Dear Friend

The story of Jim Staelgraeve is one of love, hard work, and devotion—qualities that he infused into every aspect of his life. His legacy will certainly live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many customers whose lives he touched through his gardening business. Monroe will remember him fondly as a pillar of the community who always put others first.

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