James L. Labas

James L. Labas, Venice, Florida, formerly of Plymouth, died peacefully at his home in the loving arms of his wife, Donna, at 3:44 a.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2000.  In recent years, Jim had been ill with cancer.  He was 68-years old.

Born the son of James E. And Marie V. Labas, Jim was born on Sept. 21, 1932, in Hammond, Ind.  After graduating from Thornton Fractional High School, Lansing, Illinois, he attended Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, and graduated from GMI Kettering University, Flint, Michigan.  He also graduated from the General Motors post-graduate school of Modern Merchandising and Management, Detroit, Michigan.

As a member of the united States Air Force, he served his country during the Korean conflict and was a member and instructor for the United States Coast Guard Power Squadron.

He married Donna J. Haner, on April 11, 1958 in the Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Bend, Indiana.  Together the couple built the dealership building and were co-owners of Jim Labas Chevrolet in Plymouth from 1957 to 1975. He enjoyed a distinguished career as an entrepreneur and businessman.

After moving to Siesta Key, Florida, he became Service and Customer Relations Manager at Bill Buck Chevrolet in Venice, Florida.  Subsequently moving to Venice, he retired from Coast Cadillac of Sarasota, Fla., in June, 2000.  Throughout his career, Jim enjoyed the acclaim and respect of his peers.  His uncompromising work ethic and devotion to high principles formed his legacy.

An active community member, Jim was a past president of Phi Delta Kappa fraternity, past president of Toastmasters International, charter member of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Little League coach and sponsor, and member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

A Roman Catholic, he was a member of St. Michael’s Church, Plymouth, and Siesta Key Catholic Church, Siesta Key, Fla.

A devoted father and husband, Jim is survived by Donna, his wife of 43 years and their four children: Jeffery Labas and Shirley Skafec, both of Sarasota, Susan Cox, New Bern, N.C., and Alan Labas, Peekskill, N.Y.

Five grandchildren also survive.  They are: Justin Labas, Andrew and Jeremiah Skafec and  Alexandra and Victoria Cox .  A sister, Shirley Shephard, West Covina, Calif., survives as well.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James E. And Marie V. Labas and two infant children, Lenny J. And Marie D. Labas.

The National Cremation Society of Sarasota, is in charge of Florida arrangements.

A Celebration of Life Mass and service will be held at a later date in St. Mary’s On-The-Lake Catholic Church, New Buffalo, Michigan.  Jim’s ashes will be committed to his beloved Lake Michigan at that time.

Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

Jim wished to make special acknowledgments to fraternity brother Larry Roahrig of Plymouth, dear friends James Wilson and Brian Dunn of Venice and to the caring hands of hospice and Southwest Florida.

Memorial gifts in his memory may be made to: Boys and Girls Clubs of North Port, Florida, 34286: Boys and Girls Club of Marshall County, Plymouth, Indiana, St. Michael’s Catholic Church Mission, 2000 or the Hospice of Southwest Florida, 220 Wexford Boulevard, Venice, Fla., 34293.