Jim Faniel

Our beloved Jim A. Faniel passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at Heartland Healthcare Center. Age 75 years. He was the 7th child and 3rd son born to Gus and Carrie Smith Faniel in Perote, Alabama.

Jim was drafted into the United States Army after graduating high school where he served in Field Automotive Maintenance. After his honorable discharge, Jim relocated to Saginaw, Michigan where he began employment as a Millwright Electrician with General Motors Saginaw Grey Iron Plant. He retired after 53 years of service. He was an early entrepreneur while working for General Motors. Jim purchased properties and became a landlord. He later owned and operated a convenience store called Jims Party Store. Jim loved to cook at the store; some called him Chef Jim. He was famous for his good ole down home barbeque and peanuts. Jim was a faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. He was also a member of the International F. & A.M. Masons and order of Eastern Stars. Jim loved to ride his bike and spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his wife of 44 years, Emma Lois Faniel; four daughters and two sons, Sherrandra (Tredis) ODaniels, Armari Faniel, Tanara (Vincent) Sibley, Jennifer Copeland, Jim Allen Faniel Jr.and Shon Sedrick Faniel; ten grandchildren, Shamya Koger, TaNasia ODaniels, Kameron Faniel, Avianna Faniel, Brandon, Braxton and Bailee Sibley, Aljanique Faniel, Devon Newbold and Jaelyn Copeland; three brothers, Willie (Bessie) Faniel, Harryton Faniel and Carrander (Mae) Faniel; four sisters, Gussie Rogers, Margaret Keeler, Alice Matthews and Dartha (Robert) Ross; one special sister-in-law, Betty (Robert) Hamilton; god-children, Tiervares (Kemberly) Parham, Crondale Brown, Tuerra (Clifton) Edwards, Taylor Harris, Angela Wise, Shanquia Hamilton, Theresa, Myriah and Monia Flores, Samantha Adair, Stephanie (Greg) Grandberry, Jovan Grandberry, Jeffrey Adams, Marcus Coney, Bruce Poindexter, Lynn McCray, Shadana Kroger, Jasmine Riley and Jazlyn Sutton; many other relatives and friends including special friends, Debra George, Bud Gills, Carl Lewis, Bobby Martin, Delois Wilson, Michael Huell, Lucille Koger and Sharon Smith.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Carrie Faniel, two brothers, George and Jerry Faniel, three sisters, Carrie Pleasant, Elizabeth Faniel and Dora Sistruck, best friend, Mrs. Josie McCray.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Carrander and Mae Faniel, the staff of Covenant Healthcare, Heartland Healthcare Center, the Abby family, Hamilton family and Atwater family. May God continue to bless you all!

Visitation: Monday, December 21, 2015 - 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-754-4826
Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 22, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
810 Cathay Street
Saginaw, Michigan
989-753-5282