James (Jimmy) P. Michels

James “Jimmy” Patrick Michels a.k.a. “Zarmo” Age 57 of Maplewood ~ Dear Husband, Father and Friend Jimmy was born in St. Paul on September 15, 1958 to Catherine A. “Kit” (nee Donohue) and Robert J. Michels. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School as a child and VO-TECH(916) after graduating from Kellogg High School. On July 11, 1989, he married the love of his life, Lynn Fazekas, on Mackinaw Island, Michigan. Jimmy was a volunteer firefighter for Parkside-Maplewood Fire Department and worked as a machinist for Northern Screw. Outside of work, Jimmy was involved in many different organizations. He was a dedicated member of the Minnesota Street Rod Association (MSRA), was the Director of NSRA Safety Team for Minnesota, and he volunteered at the Hastings Veterans’ Home. He was passionate about giving out unbelievable amounts of candy at this time of the year and being Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus with Lynn during the Christmas season. Throughout the year, he put on his family’s famous pig roast anywhere there was a party. Jimmy will be remembered for his amazing and giving nature. Jimmy passed away on the morning of October 12, 2015 after a long struggle with various illnesses. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Bob” and Catherine “Kit”. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 26 years, Lynn Michels of Maplewood; his son, Jeremy Michels of Roseville; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, a great nephew, and other family and friends. Jimmy wanted to help as many people in his life as possible, even after his death. He proudly asked to be a donor for the Anatomy Bequest Program at the University of Minnesota in order to help those in the medical profession. There will be a gathering of friends and family from 11AM-1PM on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, with a service to celebrate Jimmy’s life at 1PM. Following the service, friends and family are invited to Gulden’s Restaurant at 2999 N. Highway 61 in Maplewood for a reception and further sharing of memories. For those who loved their street rods as much as Jimmy, you are encouraged to bring them to the gathering from 11AM-1PM as there will be a special section to have one last car show for Jimmy.