James "Mike" Hickey

James Michael "Mike" Hickey, age 78, of Detroit and Kalkaska, Michigan, passed away July 31, 2021.  

Michael was born on Feb 26, 1943 to the late John Michael Hickey and Margaret Cecelia Curran of Detroit, Michigan.  He is survived by his beloved life-partner of 33 years Jonathan Boyd, and his sister Mary Honora "Nora" Allen.  Michael is predeceased by his siblings: John Curran "Jack" Hickey, Margaret Ann Tucker, Bridget Aileen Conder, and Thomas Joseph "Joe" Hickey. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and countless friends.

A graduate of St. Gregory High School in Detroit, Mike served as the President of the Class of 1961. Michael attended the University of Detroit for his Bachelor's Degree in History Education and went on to earn a Master of Science in Counseling at Eastern Michigan University. During Mike’s early career he enjoyed teaching, counseling students, and coaching basketball and football at St. Francis DeSales in Detroit, Interlochen Arts Academy, and Marlette Public Schools.  Mike left education to practice real estate in Kalkaska, and later Detroit. During this phase of his career he was particularly proud of assisting with the acquisition of the property for SAFE HAVEN PROJECT in Detroit. Mike was an active community leader in the Corktown area, where he lived for 30 years. He and his partner restored an 1886 house in Corktown.

Michael was a lover and supporter of music, art and architecture, collector of antiques,  a seeker of life experiences, and a lover of people from all walks of life. He was an uplifting influence to all he encountered, a genuine beam of light.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to niece Marti Stempniak Behring for her gentle and steadfast care during Mike’s final days.

Visitation will be Friday, August 6, from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Wessels & Wilk Funeral Home, 23690 Woodward Avenue, Pleasant Ridge, Michigan. Funeral Saturday, August 7, 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. that morning. Interment immediately following funeral services at Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan.

The family asks that mask courtesy is observed at all services.

Donations in Mike's name may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center or the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Please share a memory with the family at Mike's tribute wall at the funeral home website above.

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