James Malkowski, Obituaries survived by his mother, Janina Beasse; three brother
James David Ernest Malkowski loved his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Relatives say he first learned to ride dirt bikes in his early teens and his passion only grew as he grew older.
Mr. Malkowski died Friday in Detroit while riding his Harley, a Dyna Super Glide Sport.
His sister Carol Jones said he lost control of the motorcycle on the Lodge, near I-94, fell off, and got hit by a car. He was 38 and had been living in Troy for eight years.
Biking wasn't his only interest, although it took up most of his free time, relatives said.
"He was a monster Harley-Davidson fan, but he also loved speedboats, and he loved his nieces and nephews," said Lori Malkowski, his sister-in-law. "He did biking fund-raisers with Children's Hospital and loved kids, any kids."
He also attended bike rallies in Wisconsin, Sturgis, N.D., and Daytona Beach, Fla., each year, she said.
Mr. Malkowski was born on Jan. 28, 1967, in Detroit, where he attended St. Andrew's High School. He graduated in 1985 and recently became a certified crane operator, Lori Malkowski said. He worked as a machine builder in Auburn Hills.
Before his death, he had planned to move to Florida.
"He loved palm trees, and he loved the beach. He was a big sun-goer and had a beautiful tan," said Donna Malkowski, another sister.
In addition to his sisters, Carol and Donna, he is survived by his mother, Janina Beasse; three brothers, Joe Beasse and John and Ken Malkowski; four other sisters, Darlene Glaze, Kathy Turczyn, Gail Beasse and Karen Beasse, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Malkowski's funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road in Troy.
A procession of motorcycles will follow his body on a 4-mile ride to White Chapel Cemetery in Troy.
Riders are to include the Rev. Thomas Barbret, who will officiate the ceremony, Donna Malkowski, and two of his nephews, Steve Norsworthy and Markie Turczyn.