James "Jim" Gretes

James 'Jim' Gretes passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2026, at the age of 86. He was the devoted husband to Mary, loving father to Jennifer and Michael 'Michele', and cherished grandfather to Bianca and Sparrow. Jim was also a caring brother to Pete and Vanessa. He was predeceased by his brother Michael 'Mike' and his parents, Louis and Lillian. Born to working-class, first-generation Greek immigrant parents, Jim lived a life of love for family and friends, teaching, learning, integrity, and generous service. As a lifelong educator, his career began with the Erie Street adult learning community and culminated in his role as Dean of General Education at St. Clair College. He was a caring mentor and respected employer who believed in the power of learning and personal growth. Jim also pursued his love of knowledge through the study of philosophy at the University of Windsor. In his youth, he was a star athlete in baseball, football, basketball, and track and field. He was a lifelong teacher and learner with passions for aerospace, astronomy, cars, classical music, math, and early home computing. Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a faithful friend, and a man of quiet strength, generosity, and calm wisdom. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, students, and all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's name can be made to London Health Science Foundation, Autism Services INC, and Autism Ontario. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., at Families First South Windsor, and will continue on Thursday, June 11.