PROVCI, James  Age 78   of Taylor

James Provci, known as Jim, grew up on a farm in Rockford, Ohio. After high school he joined the Navy then went to the Maritime Academy to begin his career as a Merchant Marine. He met Barbara at a dance club in the Chicago area while he was sailing and they were married on Sept. 17, 1967 in a large Polish wedding. Jim landed a job on the Iron ore ships owned by Ford Motor company and they moved to Michigan. Jim and Barb had two daughters, Yvonne and Brenda, and Jim sailed the Great Lakes for 25 years. He worked his way up to Chief Engineer and made stain-glass lamps in his free-time while sailing. He had many stories about sailing and loved to play practical jokes on his co-workers, friends and family.

He retired in his early 50's to enjoy more time with his family. He loved to cheer on his daughters in their dance events and horse shows and take family vacations driving to the ocean. He taught his daughters to work hard, to keep your word, to be kind, to be patient, and to always do the right thing. He would always say that you get more flies with sugar than salt. He loved to call himself Daddy Dearest and thought he made up the phrase;)

He loved Barb, his wife of 53 years, beyond words and always loved to see her smile. They played jokes on each other, and loved to laugh. He enjoyed gardening and fishing and when Barb introduced him to morels they began their adventures in mushroom hunting. They joined the Michigan Mushroom Hunting Club and traveled all over together looking for mushrooms. Jim often led the hunts and Barb found mushrooms that no one else could find. They made many friends, cooked new mushroom recipes, and enjoyed crazy adventures, even traveling to Colorado in search of morels. He loved exploring the woods and would say they are in God's country.

Jim enjoyed wood carving and wood burning and proudly made his own walking sticks and Barb's cane. Each stick is unique, made from branches he found in the woods.

Jim and Barb's youngest daughter, Brenda, passed away unexpectedly shortly after her marriage to Mark Broses in 1993. Mark and his family remained very close to Jim, Barb and Yvonne and he loved them dearly.

Jim was looking forward to an April wedding with Yvonne and his future son-in-law, Scott Trussell. Jim loved Scott and they had many great talks and laughs. They shared a unique humor that brought a smile to his face even on difficult days. Jim was very excited about the wedding and talked about it every day. He was battling an illness that took a huge toll on him, but he was determined to walk Yvonne down the aisle. He passed away in the hospital unexpectedly just weeks before Yvonne and Scott's wedding.

Jim was a proud, gentle giant and a great man. He was an incredible loving father, devoted loving husband and left an unforgettable impression on anyone who met him. He was loved by all and will be deeply missed. Our hearts are broken.