James (Jimmy) Gerard Lessnau passed away peacefully in the early morning of Friday July 11, 2025, at the age of 72 after a long battle with Parkinson's. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Denise MacIsaac; his children Siobhan Lessnau, Aileen Lessnau (Spencer Disney), Duncan (Felix) Lessnau and Rory Lessnau and grandchildren Eoin and Mairi Disney and his siblings Ed (Becky) Lessnau, Mary (Bill) Doyle, Lois (the late James) Whitham, Nora Lessnau (Dennis Hershberger), and Ellen (Brian) Mitchell and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John Ross and Eleanor Lessnau and his brother Daniel.

James was born in Southwest Detroit on May 29, 1953. He went to St Gabriel's School until it closed and finished at Holy Redeemer where he made lifelong friends. Jimmy worked at Patton Park Recreation Center throughout the years. He was a mentor for the youth in Southwest Detroit. He organized and coached basketball, baseball and softball giving the opportunity for the community to come together.

Jimmy owned Cocomo's Bar and Sully's Blues Bar.  He loved bringing music and people together. As owner of Sully's, Jimmy brought so much fun and entertainment to all. He brought acts such as Dr. John, Leon Russel, Johnny Adams, Delbert McClinton, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Roomful of Blues, Carl Perkins, Lonnie Mack and Sir Mack Rice. Later he was bartender and cook at Howell's Bar in Dearborn where he was known for his Jimmy Burgers, Thursday Chicken Dinners, Friday Fish Fry and Soul Sundays.

He was an avid reader and never could pass up a baseball, history or cookbook. Jimmy was a friend to all and would bring you a book that he thought you should read. Holidays held a special meaning to Jim - whether it was throwing a Mardi Gras or St Patrick's day party at the bar to cooking for family on Christmas and distributing random facts on American history such as the Civil War, baseball, Santa Claus, old movies or otherwise. He knew how to bring people together for celebrating the occasion with those he loved and cherished, providing a space for those who needed it and those who wanted to be part of it.

Visitation will be Tuesday July 15, 2025, 1:00PM until 9:00PM with a rosary at 7:30PM, at the Dearborn location of Howe-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 22546 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn Michigan, 48124, 331-561-1500. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday July 16, 2025, at the Most Holy Redeemer Church, 1721 Junction Ave, Detroit, MI 48209, instate at 9:30AM, mass to follow at 10:30AM. Burial will be held at St. Hedwig Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research