James Philip Hiera, Age 74 of Clarkston, MI, passed away on September 5th, 2021. He was the loving husband of Katharine, and devoted father of Laurena "Laurie" (Luke) Meeks, Jonathan (Laura) Hiera, and Elizabeth "Liz" (Scott) Moore. Cherished grandfather of Jayce, Archer, Ainsley, Alexandria, Halden and soon to be grandson Henrik, and the late Connor. Brother of Nancy (Paul) Sylvester and of the late Roy (Cica) Hiera. James was predeceased by his parents Chester and Anna Hiera. Jim was born in Chicago and the second in a family of three children. Both a scholar and athlete, Jim held a fine academic record and played Varsity Basketball and Football. He earned a BS degree in chemistry from Loras College, and his MBA in Operations Management from DePaul University – Charles H. Kellstadt Graduate School of Business where he graduated with Distinction. There he was a member of two International Business Honor Societies Beta Gamma Sigma and Delta Mu Delta. From chemist to quality control manager then international marketing expert, Jim lead the way for cleaner air at a global scale. An icon in the field of chemicals and emissions control, he assisted government agencies in writing environmental legislation. Jim was a leader of leaders - an influential voice who empowered those around him to achieve more than they ever knew they could. A world traveler always embracing cultures, Jim cultivated life-long friendships and enjoyed sharing his incredible travel stories of his extensive travel experiences with all who were ready for a dose of armchair travel. As a devout Catholic, Jim volunteered a lifetime of Sundays as Sacristan and RCIA sponsor while guiding others along their journey to Christ. Jim was a loving, supportive, and dedicated Dad raising three successful children. Proving that the best Dads make the greatest Grandpas and his love was endless for his grandkids. Lovingly known as “Grandpa Jim” and “Jim-Jim," he enjoyed talking, singing, playing games and reading with them. He and his grandchildren Archer and Ainsley read over 4,000 pages together in one year fostering their love of reading. Jim’s unconditional love for his family, his leadership, his kindness, his generosity and his welcoming brilliance within a room has made him legendary. He has longed to be reunited with the love of his life and mother of his children Katharine at the Gates of Heaven. His family and friends will miss him dearly. There will be a Funeral Mass: Christ the Redeemer Parish, Lake Orion, MI on October 2, 2021. A visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the funeral following at 10:30 am. There will be a live video stream of the funeral at 10:30am EST on October 2. In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions made be made to Circle of Hope NICU Foundation, or to the J.D. McCarty Center.