James Tottis, March 28, 1929 — January 09, 2019

James’ Obituary James Tottis passed away on January 9, 2019 at the age of 89. “Jim” is the beloved husband of Margaret, a loving father to Karen and George, and dearest grandpa to his six granddaughters: Olivia and Jillian Tottis, and Virginia, Caroline, Allison and Katherine Rogers. Jim is the son of George and Amelia Tottis, who emigrated here from the mountainous village of Sheper, Albania.

He grew up in the Palmer Park area of Detroit with his brothers Mitch, Nick and Pete and his sister Lolly. Jim attended Pershing High School where he lettered in football and tennis. He spent his free time working at his father’s restaurant: George’s Real Coney Island in the then busy neighborhood near Michigan Avenue and Junction.

Jim attended The University of Michigan, earning a Pharmacy Degree in 1950. He was drafted into the Army and served as a Pharmacist in a Seoul, Korea military hospital during the war. After his tour of duty, Jim worked as a Pharmacist in Ecorse and Dundee, then opened his own pharmacy and medical testing laboratory: Dearborn Clinical Laboratory.

He married Margaret Lambe in 1962 and they raised their two children in Dearborn. Jim and “Margie” were founding members of the YMCA Tennis Club, members of “The One Hundred’s” dance and social club. They also enjoyed playing bridge and taking ski vacations with family and friends.

They loved Downtown Detroit: seeing many shows at the Fisher Theater, attending art exhibits at the Detroit Institute of Art and dining in all the Greektown Restaurants. Jim retired in 1986 and dedicated much of his free time to the study of art and architecture. He took art history classes at U of M and traveled the world with his professors to see in person the architectural and artistic wonders he had studied.

Over the years, Jim and Margie have shared their love of travel with their closest friends, their children and grandchildren. Several works of art purchased by Jim have been donated to the University of Michigan in Dearborn. The family will hold a private memorial service.

In March, near the anniversary of Jim’s 90th birthday, the family will host a reception to celebrate his life. Those wishing to remember Jim are encouraged to make a donation to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in support of ongoing research to find a cure for those, like Jim, who have suffered in their later years with loss of mental capabilities. Funeral services to be held privately.

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