James R. Stapish

James R. Stapish, of St. Helen and formerely of Bay City, passed away early Wednesday morning August 11, 2010 at Bay Regional Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Age 76 years. The son of the late Raphael D. and Marguerite (Masterson) Stapish was born January 19, 1934 in Bay City. He was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church in St. Helen and a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Bay City. Jim graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School in 1952, attended Bay City Junior College. He served his Resident Training at their family funeral home and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science. After the passing of his father Raphael D. Stapish, James R. Stapish and his brother, William F. Stapish took over the operation of Stapish Funeral Home and the Ambulance Service Co. and he served as the Bay County Coroner for four years. Jim was a former member of Michigan Funeral Directors Association,Knights of Columbus Council #414, long time member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge # 88 of Bay City and a current member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #1982 of Houghton Lake, American Legion Post #414 in St. Helen and a former member of the Bay City Kiwanis Club. On October 14, 1961 he married the former Marilyn S. "Sue" Jezak and she preceded him in death on May 29, 2010. He is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law; Bruce and Jill Stapish and Keith Stapish, two grandchildren; Elizabeth Stapish and Austin Stapish, one great grand daughter; Ariyah Blossey , one brother and sister-in-law; William F. and Patricia Stapish, two sisters and one brother-in-law; Mary Lou and Thomas Cottrell and Lois Martin, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; James and Linda Jezak, Mark and Amy Jezak and Kerry and Mary Kay Jezak, Barb and Don Dombrowski and Kathy and Gary Quellman, , many nieces and nephews and his good friends Pat and Wendy Diebel of St. Helen. In addition to his wife and parents he was also preceded in death by one brother; F. Michael Stapish, one brother-in-law; Jerome Martin and one sister-in-law; Beverly Minard. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church (607 E. S. Union St.). Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Craig L. Albrecht with the Rite of Committal following in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Friday from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place on Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. and the Knights of Columbus Bible Presentation at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Stapish will be taken to the church on Saturday to lie in state from 9:00 a.m. and until the time of services. Memorial cards for the Wishes of the Family will be available at the funeral home.