J.R. Thompson Company Mourns
Passing of Jim Belleau

Feb 24, 2010

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Jim Belleau, director of business development for J.R. Thompson Company, and a loving husband, father, brother and friend, passed away suddenly on February 21, 2010, following a brief illness. He was 59. He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughter, Abbey; sons Drew and Brett; and sister, Joy.

Belleau joined J.R. Thompson Company in October 2008. He had previously spent 29 years at Chrysler Group LLC, serving as Director of the National Customer Assistance Center & Dealer Technical Operations and as a director at Chrysler’s Mopar Parts division, where he spent the majority of his career, forming lifelong friendships.

"We are shocked and saddened at the tragic loss of Jim Belleau, our dear friend and colleague,” said J.R. Thompson Company president Clay Thompson. "Jim was a true gentleman and lived a life that inspired many. His motto was, 'Be kind, do good works and lift others.' He truly lived his life in that manner. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

A graduate of Shrine High School in Royal Oak, Mich., Belleau earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University in 1972 and a Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 1985. A boxer and football player in his youth, Belleau remained an avid sports enthusiast throughout his life and served on the Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School Football Booster Board and as the PA announcer for Lahser Knights home football games.

Visitation is scheduled on Friday, February 26, from 2-8 p.m at Desmond Funeral Home, 32515 Woodward, Royal Oak, Mich., 48073. The funeral mass will take place on Saturday, February 27 (10:30 a.m. gathering time and mass at 11:00 a.m.), at St. Thomas More, 4580 Adams Rd., Troy, Mich., 48098.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Lahser Parents Football Club, Jim Belleau Memorial Fund, c/o Mr. Paul Scheidemantel, 1634 Hunters Ridge, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., 48304.