James Gregones (age 61)
July 11, 2026
James “Jim” Gregones (10/08/1964 – 07/11/2026) Loving husband of Carolyn Gregones and father of Kathleen “Katie” Gregones (Max O’Connell). He is also survived by his siblings, Ken Gregones (Beth) and Leanna Crum (Ted); father and mother-in-law Richard and Connie Sosin; sister-in-law Patty Trojan (Jim), as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. Proceed in death by his parents Leonard Gregones and Clare Thomas.
From an early age, Jim loved the outdoors – he enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping with his family. His favorite part of Michigan was along the AuSable River and in the Huron Manistee National Forest. After he and Carolyn married in 1992, they made the Oscoda/Tawas area a regular vacation spot. However, Jim was always up to travel to different places. He and Carolyn made the trek to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia for a family reunion and we’re able to take Katie back in 2012 to see the old family home. As a family, they also made many excursions to Mackinaw and the Upper Peninsula, explored the sand dunes along Lake Michigan’s coast, visited Florida multiple times, and even took a trip to VA to see Civil War Battle sites.
For the last eleven years, Jim gained numerous boiler and chiller operating licenses and belonged to Operating Engineers Local 324 and UAW Local 160. He worked at the DAC as a Maintenance Engineer and then at GM’s Warren Tech Center in Facilities as a Chiller Operator – he was immensely proud of his profession. Jim was a handyman and could manage to figure out how to fix almost anything. He also liked fixing motorbikes and dissecting engines.
A passion of Jim’s was classic films of all genres and of music. He developed quite the movie collection over the years on DVD. Along with a music collection on CD and vinyl. On top of an eclectic taste in movies and music, he appreciated all different types of foods – regularly taking his family and friends to new restaurants and bringing home carry outs to try.
Jim made friends wherever he went and had a heart of gold. As such, Carolyn and Katie ensured he lived on by following through on his organ donor status. Through Gift of Life Michigan, he was able to save someone with the gift of his lungs the same night he passed. His kidneys were also allocated.
He will be deeply missed by Carolyn, Katie, and Max, extended family, friends, and coworkers.
In lieu of of flowers or charitable donations, please direct any gifts to the family.
Memorial arrangements to be announced.
I worked with James at GM Technical Center in warren Mi. on second shift. He was he was very proud and knowledgeable of his accomplishments in the field of HVAC. It was a pleasure to work with him. My condolences to his family.
Do you recall the adage ‘There are things you won’t find if looking to hard?’ Well this definitely applies.
Every April eighth my wife and I celebrate our anniversary. I can’t imagine finding a better woman to spend my life with. My trajectory was changed for the better on April eighth 1994.
James, or to me Jimmy, always promoted positive thinking. Rarely would he show a negative attitude. Always upbeat and optimistic over the outcome of any unknown situation.
I met him in August of 1991 and by 1992 I was honored to be a groomsmen at his wedding. Periodically he helped me and my business partner. One job he helped on ran late. We sat down for a late lunch which overlaped well into the evening. I was intent on getting back home but I was outvoted two to one. Reluctantly and I underscore Reluctantly had to continue with the the majority of the vote. As evening turned to night my resolve waned.
In my mid twenties I was in search of a Miss Right. Little did I know my bachelorhood was about to switch tracks. If not for Jimmy’s insistence I would have just gone home. But my abduction opened up the opportunity to meet my fiance Jennifer Wheeler.
Thank you Jimmy. You know. My daily life with Jennifer wouldn’t have happened if not for Jimmy guiding me to find someone I was looking for. As I said, we find what we are looking for without even looking.
Peace. . . . .