04/13/2026
Deceased: James E. Michaels
Date of Death: April 7, 2026
Former Syracuse resident, Jim “Mitch” Michaels, 73, died in Melbourne, Florida after a brief illness with his son at his side. Jim grew up in Syracuse’s Strathmore neighborhood, the second of Tess and Tom Michaels’ eight children. A graduate of Most Holy Rosary, Jim attended College of Santa Fe where he played basketball for two years prior to receiving his bachelor’s from LeMoyne College.
Jim worked in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster for many years before becoming a risk manager for the City of Syracuse. An avid golfer, Jim was a former member of Tuscarora Golf Club and Sunset Ridge – relocating to Florida in 2015 to take advantage of the longer golf seasons. He was a diehard Yankees and Syracuse University sports fan.
He was predeceased by his parents as well as brothers, Tom and Dan Michaels.
He is survived by his sons, Dan and Scott (Carrie) Michaels; grandchildren Vaughan, Anne, and Paul; brothers Bill (Sharon), Mark and Mike (Mary) Michaels; and sisters, Lynn (Jeff) Hackett and Laurie Michaels; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 18 in Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Avenue, Syracuse, NY with a Mass of Christian Burial Immediately following at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Central New York, 200 Gateway Park Drive, Bldg. C, Syracuse, NY 13212.
Whelan Bros. & Hulchanski
Funeral Home.
5854 Belle Isle Road,
Syracuse, NY 13209