James Michael Pietrzak

February 21, 1953 - April 05, 2018

Obituary For James Michael Pietrzak

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Duke Children’s Hospital https://www.dukehealth.org/hospitals/duke-childrens-hospital and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

James (Jim) Michael Pietrzak, Sr., 65, passed away April 5, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jim was born in Hamtramck, Michigan to John and Helen Pietrzak on February 21, 1953. He went to high school at University of Detroit and went on to earn a degree in Business from Eastern Michigan University. He was an All American football player at Eastern Michigan University and was drafted in the sixth round of the 1974 NFL Draft. Jim went on to play in the National Football League as a defensive and offensive lineman for the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He played 140 games over 11 seasons from 1974 to 1987. Jim began his career in outside sales with Jackson National Life Insurance where he worked for over 17 years. From there, he worked in various outside sales positions ending with Fish Window Cleaning in Raleigh, NC. He was a man of strong faith who lived for spending time with his family, football Saturday’s, telling jokes, making people laugh, and always saw the bright side in every situation. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Pietrzak.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Cathy Pietrzak; son and daughter-in-law Jim and Carmelita Pietrzak; daughter and son-in-law Erin and Connor Elliott; three grandchildren Laura Catherine Pietrzak, Madeline James Pietrzak and Connor McNamara Elliott; two brothers, John (Margaret) Pietrzak and Robert Pietrzak, and countless members of his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Duke Children’s Hospital https://www.dukehealth.org/hospitals/duke-childrens-hospital and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Memories may be shared in his online guestbook at www.rfhr.com . Visitation will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home in Raleigh, NC on April 10, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi in Raleigh, NC on April 11, 2018 at 1:00 pm with a visitation preceding mass at 12:00 pm.

Services

10 Apr

Viewing and Visitation

06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

11 Apr

Visitation

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church 11401 Leesville Road RALEIGH, NC 27613 Get Directions »

11 Apr

Funeral Service

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church 11401 Leesville Road RALEIGH, NC 27613 Get Directions »

11 Apr

Burial

02:30 PM

Raleigh Memorial Park 7501 Glenwood Avenue raleigh, NC 27612 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

John Banaszak

What a great Huron and teammate. Many battles with Jim that made me a better player. My condolences and prayers to his family. RIP big guy.
September 01, 2020

derland moore

Great competitor, friend, and family man. Kathy, you and family are in my prayers. God Bless in this trying time. Jim we will miss u Buddy. RIP Derland Moore
September 01, 2020

Dan Simmons

One of my all-time favorite Saints players. It was a pleasure and an honor to outfit Jim for the games and the annual Saints' St. Patrick's Day Irish Channel parade. Prayers for Cathy and family. Dan "Chief" Simmons, NO Saints Equip. Mgr. (retired).
September 01, 2020

Martin Bury

His mom was my 7th grade teacher @ Our Lady Queen of Apostles... I remember playing "alley hockey" with Jim behind his house. Sorry to hear of his passing
September 01, 2020

William Taylor

Many condolences to the Pietrzak family, as a fan of Saints alumni, Mr. Pietrzak was always very kind to me and while I didn't meet him too often, he definitely made a positive impact on my life & many many others, he will be greatly missed. Peace be with you. Sincerely, William Taylor Thibodaux, Louisiana
September 01, 2020

Lisa Pasternak

Lit a candle in memory of James Michael Pietrzak
September 01, 2020

Chris Pasternak

I remember playing football with my Big Cousin Jimmy back in the early 60's. My brothers and I all hung onto him trying to tackle him to the ground, but couldn't. He always was fun loving, kind, and honest. I have fond memories of him and his parents during all the holiday season's at their cottage in Union Lake, Michigan. May God keep you in his eternal tender mercies. May your family be comforted by his Grace. Love Chris and Tina Pasternak
September 01, 2020

Theodore P. Hand

Jim was my roommate at away games and friend my senior year at EMU. We shared many laughs and serious discussions. Jim spent a summer with me in NJ and fellow teammate Rich Whitmore, working for my father's construction company. I will miss you big guy! Ted Hand
September 01, 2020

Scott Renninger

Cathy and family. Please know that many "Hurons" are sending strong thoughts and good wishes to you all in the loss of "BIG Zak"! Scott(scooter) Renninger EMU Coach 71-74
September 01, 2020

Bob Ulmer

Joyce and I have the greatest memories of Jim; Mardi Gras in 2000 and 2001, vodka martinis at the beach; Saturday morning workouts at Golds gym in Clearwater; Friday night dinner at Hoppers. He was such a great guy, great husband and father and a wonderful friend. He will be missed but I guarantee, hes starting a football team in heaven!! We will never forget him.
September 01, 2020

Catherine Winslow

Cathy, I was saddened to read of your husbands death. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Catherine Winslow