Beloved Shelby Resident Passes Away at 63

Beloved Shelby Township resident and deaf-mute James Bizon died Dec. 17 at the age of 63 from a massive heart attack.

James Bizon was well known in the community for his bright smile and frequent visits to local restaurants. Younger brother, Michael Bizon, said James often visited his favorite waitresses at Mr. B's in Shelby Township, Sea Breeze and Hooters. 

"He enjoyed going, and he would always write a note to the waitreses, 'My name is Jim. I am a nice man,'" Michael Bizon said. "He favored the places with pretty girls," he added with a chuckle.

Michael Bizon said mostly everybody was always friendly and respectful to his big brother.

According to Michael Bizon, James was born with a hole in his heart and severe scoliosis, which limited his ability to attend school because he couldn't walk. In 1981 James Bizon had heart surgery at Children’s Hospital.

"It was like a new lease on life for him. He had energy like you couldn’t believe," Michael Bizon said.

Since then, James Bizon became employed with ARC Services of Macomb, a non-profit organization that hires mentally and physically disabled people and finds them work. He worked and drove to ARC for more than 30 years.

"He just wanted to live life like everyone else. That’s what I admire about him," Michael Bizon said.

In 2008, James Bizon battled and won colon cancer.

"He had his challenges in his life but he dealt with them up front and continued on," Michael Bizon said.

James Bizon is survived by his siblings, Jeanette (Alexander) Kazirut, Michael (Barbara) Bizon and Cathy (Gary) Leinonen. James was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Celia (Rutowski) Bizon.

James Bizon's funeral will be Dec. 20 and Dec. 21. Vistation will be at on Dec. 20 and the service will be Dec. 21 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. For times and locations, click here.