My father, James R. Fikany, was a man devoted to his family, faithful to God, and committed to his community. With a smile and a good word, my dad lived and worked on Detroit’s east side his entire life.

At an early age, his parents instilled in him the importance of family and friends, which became two of the most important things in his life. Married to my mother Jeanette for 45 years, it was always an adventure filled with laughter and excitement daily. My parents had eight children, and all of us share his smile, his sense of humor, and his loyalty of family and friends. My dad took a sincere interest in the lives and accomplishments of everyone he knew. After meeting my dad, a stranger became an instant friend.

My father worked as a real estate agent for ten years before becoming the founder of James R. Fikany Real Estate Company in 1962. He had a reputation as a trusted and hard working professional. Because of the personal attention he gave to his clients, without exception, the red and white Fikany signs have become a symbol of integrity and professionalism throughout the area. Today, the majority of our family work in the business along with our mother.

Whether on the football field, baseball diamond, or the basketball court, my father’s love for high school sports was infectious. He enthusiastically supported the activities of his children and fifteen grandchildren. My dad was also a supporter of the arts and many charity organizations in the community. He was proud of Grosse Pointe and was one of the communities best good will ambassadors. Being a dedicated member of the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club since 1981 gave his life an added dimension.

The greatest lesson of my father’s life is that all of us attain the greatest success and happiness possible in this life whenever we use our God given talents and abilities to their greatest extent. Jim Fikany was a hard working man; a real estate broker; and a dear friend to many. His name and his memory will always bring a smile to the faces of those who knew him and loved him.