James Steven Winowiecki

James (Jim) Steven Winowiecki, age 61, passed on May 6, 2026 surrounded by his family. After being diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, Jim fought with unwavering courage and grace.

Jim was born October 11, 1964 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, son of the late Virginia Rose Sobczak and the late James Matthew Winowiecki.

Jim was raised on the west side of the state, and always loved telling stories of his childhood spent with his siblings growing up in the old neighborhood. After leaving home, Jim travelled the country working as a chef for many reputable restaurants, including Charlie's Crab Grand Rapids, where he met his beautiful and beloved wife of 37 years. As his family grew, his ambition grew with it, and in 2001 he opened his own catering business, which he grew from a small operation serving boxed lunches to groups of 20-30 into a thriving enterprise that would regularly bring joy to 500+ guests on any given weekend.

Jim was passionate about serving others, and loved to do so by sharing his love of all things culinary. Whether it was preparing dinners for hundreds of guests in a single evening, or cooking a holiday dinner for his loved ones, the love he had for making people happy was always evident with every dish he prepared. He was most proud of the meals he was able to provide for our service men and women, an endeavor he was committed to until his final days.

As a father, he will always be remembered for being there. Coaching youth sports teams, attending softball games in 40 degree weather, travelling across the state to watch one half of a basketball game, or lugging his laptop around everywhere he went so he could tune in to a live stream of his children’s games, there was never any doubt that Jim would be watching.

When Jim wasn’t in the kitchen or at his kids sporting events, you would find him rooting for Detroit sports, especially the Lions and his favorite team, the Detroit Pistons. If the weather allowed, he would spend hours on the nearest body of water, sometimes enjoying the lake with his family, other times enjoying the peace and quiet of calm water.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Maureen; his three sons, Jamie, Josh, and Jordan; and his daughter, Jenna. He is also survived by his step-mother, Nancy Winowiecki; his sisters Laurie Denslow, Teresa Winowiecki; his brothers Tim (Diane) Winowiecki and Troy (Sara) Winowiecki and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Tammy Winowiecki.

Visitation will be held at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, on May 11, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the Rosary at 7:00 pm.

Instate will take place at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080, on May 12, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am.