James Giannestras

James Duncan Giannestras , 67, of Williamsburg, Michigan, and Torch Lake, passed away March 27, 2009. Jim was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 28, 1941, to Virginia M. Fahrenbruck and Nicholas J. Giannestras, M.D.

After graduating from Cincinnati Country Day School and attending the University of Colorado, he entered the U. S. Coast Guard. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and his Law degree from The University of Cincinnati. He began his legal career with American Commercial Barge Line, followed by his private practice in Wilmington, Ohio.

He married Gloria Gail Gaunce (1949 - 1999) in 1977, and they raised their beloved daughters, Holly Hassler and Libby Leigh, in Traverse City, Michigan.

Thirty years ago, Jim began the career he loved at Cherry Central Cooperative in Traverse City, serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Jim will be deeply missed by his co-workers, and friends made while traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe.

In 2003, he married Margaret Mertz and acquired a loved stepson, Vanya Pylypchuk. His cottage at Torch Lake, where his family gathered his entire life, was always a source of great happiness to him. Jim was a fine athlete, excelling at sailboat racing, and was also a highly sought-after race committee chairman at the Torch Lake Yacht and Country Club.

Jim will always be remembered for his energetic and gracious personality. His wit and humor was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceeded in death by his wife, Gloria Gail, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, his daughters Holly (and Kevin) Hatch of Lansing, Michigan, Libby Giannestras, of St. Louis, Missouri, grandchildren Dane Lee and Gloria Grace Hatch, stepson Vanya Pylypchuck, of Williamsburg, Michigan, sister Lynne and brother-in-law Jerry Delling of Bellaire, Michigan, and nephew Scot Delling, also of Bellaire. Jim also leaves behind eight other nieces and nephews, their parents from St. Louis, Missouri, and Cincinnati, Ohio, and their grandparents, Wes and Marilyn Gaunce, of Fairfield, Ohio, all to whom Jim was special.

A private graveside service, presided by Reverend Homer Nye, will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, Eastport, Michigan. Charitable contributions may made to The Grass River Natural Area, 203 East Cayuga, Bellaire, Michigan, 49615, or The Torch Lake Protection Alliance.