James “Roger” Cahaney
James “Roger” Cahaney passed away on July 14, 2026, in Howell, Michigan surrounded by his wife and children. Roger was born April 20,1944, in Detroit, Michigan to Matthew and Michaeline (Sajkowski) Cahaney. He grew up in Hamtramck and Detroit Michigan alongside his three siblings, Pattie Jo, Michael, and David. He graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1962 and immediately joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as a radar maintenance operator from 1962 – 1966. He was a member of the drum and bugle corp while stationed in Keesler AFB. He also served in Ft. Yukon AFS and Chandler AFS until he was honorably discharged as an airman first class.
Following his time in the military, he pursued a career in computer programming working at Winkelman’s, First Federal Savings, and retiring from Ford Motor Company. In 1991 he received a Bachelor of Arts from Spring Arbor College, and in 2007 completed a second Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies from Siena Heights University to pursue his calling from God. He served the St. Agnes community for 17 years as an Ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. Roger helped strengthen parishioners’ faith through preaching, baptisms, marriages, funerals, and RCIA; he is well loved by his parish family.
Roger loved singing, he was an avid member of multiple SPEBSQSA chapters including Detroit City Motor Chorus and Capital City Chordsmen. His favorite by far was participating in four-part harmony quartets The Harmony Seekers and The Patch Chords. The way Roger loved so deeply was seen through every one of his passions. His love for trains included a large collection of Lionel electric trains and live steam engine excursions. Family camping was the highlight of every summer, visiting state and national parks throughout the U.S. He expressed his creativity through woodworking, creating beautiful pieces of furniture and personalized keepsakes for his loved ones.
On July 21 of 1967, Roger married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Rosemary “Cookie” Gustina at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan. They were one week from celebrating 59 years of marriage. He was a wonderful and loving father to his four children. Roger is survived by his wife, Rosemary; four children, Marie (Mike) Byars, Jenny (Pete) Bodary, Lynn (Bill) Shively, and Tim; 18 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, David Edmonds, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Michaeline Cahaney; sister, Pattie Jo; and brother, Michael.
Roger’s visitation will be open to the public on July 22 from 2-7 p.m. with a vigil service including a rosary held at 6 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church (Fowlerville, MI). St. Agnes will also celebrate a funeral mass July 23, at 11 a.m. with time for visitation an hour prior. A luncheon will be hosted by parish members after the Mass at Lothamer Parish Center. Internment is currently planned with full military honors at Mount Olivet Cemetery on Tuesday, July 28 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roger’s memory to St. Agnes Christian Service.
No comments:
Post a Comment