"I worked with Ray for five years at BGSCM, and he was incredibly devoted to the mission of the organization. He always wanted what was best for the kids. Above all else, though, he was devoted to his family and incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. My condolences to Janet and the Jurczyk clan. "
In loving memory of
Raymond Arthur Jurczyk
February 6, 1943 - June 3, 2022
Raymond Arthur Jurczyk was born February 6, 1943 to Sigmund Michael Jurczyk and his wife Marian Theresa Gajewski in Detroit, Michigan where he attended St. Stanislaus Grade School, was a De La Salle Collegiate High School Class of 1960 graduate and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Wayne State University. Ray then devoted 50 years of service to social work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan; retiring from his position as Senior Vice President of Operations in 2010 having helped countless children and making many life long friends. Ray married his love Janet "Jan" Koscielski on May 15, 1965 and recently celebrated their 57th Wedding Anniversary. He loved to spend time fishing and visiting with family and friends throughout Michigan and Florida, playing Pinochle and Poker with them and attending all of his grandkids sporting events both in person and virtually.
Raymond A. Jurczyk, age 79, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Sigmund and Marian Jurczyk and is survived by his wife Jan Jurczyk, 5 children; Michele (Paul) Wilk, Pam (Mark) Thierry, Kathy Krzyzowski, Jason (Lee Ann) Jurczyk and Kevin (Carlie) Jurczyk and 9 grandchildren; Paul (Rachel Ratton), Abby, Josh, Olivia, Tyler, Kyle, Cameron, JJ and Celia with grandchild #10 due in September.
Ray dedicated his life to mentoring youth to excel in school and lead healthy, productive lives with the goal to ensure all kids have a great future. Help celebrate Ray's life and love for cheering on the Detroit Tigers, University of Michigan Sports and De La Salle Collegiate teams the family asks that associated gear be worn to the Visitation on Friday, June 10, 2022 4:00pm - 8:00pm at Chas Verheyden Inc., 43300 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038. Instate will be held 9:30am Saturday, June 11, 2022 until time of Funeral Mass, 10am at St. Paul of Tarsus Church, 41300 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, Michigan 48038. In honor of his life's work in lieu of flowers memorials in Ray's name may be made to the Detroit Tiger's Foundation at https://www.mlb.com/tigers/community/foundation and we invite you to share memories here at Verheyden.org
Tributes
"Ray, You were a great friend of 50 years. I'm going to miss you but I am grateful for the many good times, especially this past winter in Florida. Love you, my Brother. ? "
"I don?t need to tell anyone what a wonderful, caring and generous individual Ray was. I grew up in the Boys and Girls club organization and am so grateful for all the help and mentoring Ray did for me. He gave me lots of encouragement and guidance through college and was able to help me obtain some scholarship money. I truly enjoyed his sense of humor and he put so many smiles on my face with some of his stories. I will miss you Ray and remember everything you did for me. Peace and Love to his family. Sincerely, Wassim Kilano "
"Ray was an amazing person and an incredible friend. I worked with Ray for many years and enjoyed continuing our friendship after he retired from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. His devotion to his family was paramount. He set such an good example for many to follow and many lives were enhanced because of Ray. RIP Ray and God bless his family, especially the love of his life, Janet. "
"Ray has left a lot of memories with us starting with The Rebels baseball team. Meeting the Jurczyks from Hamtramck was a real treat from practice to games. Never a dull moment, having meals at the diamonds to drinking with the coaches. I can go on and on about the good times that we will always keep in our hearts. My grandchildren also enjoyed the Boys and Girls Club because of Ray. Once our children grew up and out of the house, we always had the hospitality with a toast from Ray. You will be missed, my friend. Love, Carolyn and Jerry Karwowski"
"Ray was part of the GREATEST local Boys Club and then Boys & Girls Club TEAM that ever existed. None better!!! He was a good friend. When Ray said he was going to do something you never had to check on him. A great professional, a great friend to many, a great family man, a great person. RIP my friend "
"I had a lot of great memories of Ray at our little league games, going to tigers games to pass out the promos and watching Michigan football games. Prayers for the family during this tough time "
"Completely heart broken, Ray was an excellent mentor, coach, supervisor, co-worker and friend. First day I worked for him he handed me an envelope and ask that I delivered it. I looked at the address, handed it back and said "with all due respect, I cannot do that". Anyone that knows Ray knows that did not go over very well. He asked if I was crazy, did I really want that job. Of course I did, just could not take that envelope to the address on it. He was quite puzzled and probably ready to blow a gasket. Then a smirk came over his face and he said "you got to be kidding, did I just hire a Buckeye? Oh yeah, Scarlett and Gray all the way-O-H. So glad he got to see his team beat us this year, he was always a good sport with me. Loved him like a father. Jan and family, please know that all of you have a place in my heart and will continue prayers for each of you ? You know if I am able to make it, I will have to wear something Buckeye, but will honor him with the Tigers as well. Much love, Lisa"
"Wow such good memories of Ray and his wife Janet following their girls in Basketball not only supporting their children but supporting their children's coaches. Every coach should have parents Like Ray and Janet at games. So glad to be able to have have known Ray suck a good man. . Prayers for Ray's whole family"