James M. Iocca, P.E., Ph.D.

James Mark Iocca, Sr. went to be with the Lord on June 13, 2017. He died peacefully in his sleep at Ridgecrest Health Campus, where he received loving care for four years from all the beautiful ladies of the Legacy Memory Unit. In the past few months, he received compassionate care from Great Lakes Hospice, as well. James could not have asked for a kinder and more caring group of caregivers. James and the Iocca family were truly blessed by all of those who cared for him.

James was born on September 26, 1923 in Springfield, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his father, James Vincent Iocca; his wife of 54 years, Marie Ann (Burg) Iocca; beautiful daughter, Catherine Elaine Stephenson (Campbell), his brother, Hubert Abel Iocca and precious granddaughter, Andrea Marie Iocca.

James served in World War II in the European Theatre. He prided himself on having served with Generals Eisenhower, Patton and Littlejohn. He also was instrumental in assisting the U.S. Forces plan and launch the D-Day invasion at Normandy. He was very proud to have served and loved his Country.
Following the war, James attended the University of Illinois and received his Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering. He subsequently received his Masters of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan in 1978. At the "ripe" age of 83, James received his Ph.D. in Finance. WOW!

James took pride in being the oldest participant in the University of Illinois' engineering College homecoming festivities in 2011. He was a 60-year graduate of the program. Illinois, miraculously, won the football game that afternoon! James was also an avid baseball fan and player while playing on the Springfield Cardinals baseball team alongside MLB Hall of Fame Inductee, Robin Roberts. James then settled in Jackson, Michigan where he was instrumental in the establishment of both the Jackson Southwest Little League and also the fundraising and establishment of Lumen Christi Catholic High School. James worked for Commonwealth Associates from 1951 to 1973 working his way up the ladder to Vice President of Natural Gas Operations. In 1973, he established a regional office in Ann Arbor, Michigan for Zinder Engineering, Inc., based in Washington, D.C. In 1983, James purchased the company, which then became known as ZEI, Inc. His sons, David, John and Joe now continue his legacy as DJI & Associates, Inc.

James will be remembered for instilling the value of a good education and a tireless work ethic in his children and grandchildren. James saw to it that his children went to college and set up educational funds for all his grandchildren. James loved his family deeply.

James is survived by his children Mark (Kathy) Iocca, Barbara (Michael) Mueller, James Jr. (Suzanne) Iocca, Susan (Stan) Monroe, Carl (Dawn) Iocca, Tom (Beverly) Iocca, Joseph Iocca, Mary (Robert) Smith, John (Shelly) Iocca, David (Becky) Iocca, and Robert Iocca. James is also survived by grandchildren Tanya (Kyle) Hartley, Matt (Kristen) Trochlil, Alycia (Scott) Klipstine, Aaron (Elissa) Trochlil, Elizabeth and Katelyn Iocca, Lauren and Steven Iocca, James and Joseph Stephenson, Gregory and David Monroe, Kristen, Jessica and Melissa Iocca, Trenton Iocca, Carly and Caden Iocca, Courtney and Colin Smith, Jordan, Whitney, Alec and Payge Iocca, Sarah, Sophia and Olivia Iocca and Josh and Anna Iocca. James is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Additionally, James is survived by his brother Donald Iocca, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Iocca and Barbara Lehman and brother-in-law, Carl Burg, Jr.

Mr. Iocca is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where a Prayer Service will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 10:00 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Fr. Tim Nelson will officiate at the Funeral Mass.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, June 19, 2017 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.

Contributions to the Great Lakes Hospice Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 127 years