James Henry Cornell Jr

James Henry Cornell, Jr., age 77 of Riverview, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Michigan House Senior Living Center of Riverview. On February 24, 1948, James was born one of three children to James H. and Noma E. (Hoig) Cornell, Sr. in Newberry, MI. For most of his life, James was a resident of the Metro Detroit area, and was a proud graduate of Wayne, Michigan’s St. Mary High School class of 1966. Shortly after graduating, James started his work career as a operating engineer with the Levy Corporation, where he manned their end loader for forty-plus years. In 1989, James was united in marriage to Joann Achino in Melvindale, MI. and together they enjoyed thirty-five years together until Joann’s passing in 2024. After James retired in the early 2010’s, he and Joann built their beautiful lake home in Farwell on Five Lakes. During these years Jim was able to enjoy his passions for bowling, golfing, tending to his meticulous landscaping, and tinkering with projects in his garage. He was also an avid Detroit Lions and Tigers fan and a very active member, greeter, and eucharistic minister at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church. James is survived by his sisters-in-law Mary Evans and Arlene Achino, his nieces and nephews Christine and Robert Proudlock, James and Stephanie Evans, Cathy Achino, Theresa and Art Christensen, and Cheryl and Richard Renaud, and his sister Christine. He was also a loving great uncle to many. James was preceded in death by his wife Joann Cornell, Jr., his sister Joanne Mackiewicz, his parents James and Noma Cornell, Sr., his brother-in-law John Achino, and his nephew David Achino. A funeral mass in honor of James will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Cecilia Site in Clare, MI with Monsignor Francis Koper officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday the 27th from 10:30 A.M. until the time of mass. A private burial will follow in the Germfask Cemetery, where James will be laid to rest alongside other family. Memorial contributions in honor of James may be directed to Heart-to-Heart Hospice. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com

James Henry Cornell Jr

February 24, 1948 - September 23, 2025