Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the age of 88 years.

The son of the late James and Mary Louise (Robles) Silva was born on March 12, 1937 in Saginaw, growing up in Merrill. Jim was a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic High School, the class of 1956. He then served in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving three tours around the world. After his service he worked at the State Prison of Southern Michigan as a guard then later completed the police academy and worked as a State Police officer, retiring at the rank of Detective Sergeant from the Bridgeport Crime Laboratory in 1991. After retirement, he worked with W. L. Case and Company, retiring in 2012 after over 15 years of service. Jim married Katherine Ann Cosher on October 3, 1964; she survives him. Jim and Kathy were active members of St. Frances de Sales Parish, St. Christopher site. He was an avid golfer, keeping a nice yard, enjoyed cigars. Jim was known throughout the community for his exceptional woodcarving. He was and continued to be a long-time member of the Tri-City Carvers, working on the carousel at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square. Jim continued carving right up until his passing.

Surviving besides his wife, Kathy, are their children: Melissa Ann (Scott) Coonan, Theresa Marie (Eric) Davis, his grandchildren: Haley (Jacob) Childs, Jacob (Courtney) Hawes, Mackenzie (Corey) Heckaman, Tayla Slaybaugh, Maegan (Eric) Pitts, Amber Davis, Eric Andrew Davis, Jordan Davis great-grandchildren: Layne, Elliot, Ian, Oliver, Ainsley, Elliott, Casey, Emmet, his sisters: Christine Rocha, Frances “Punch” Olvera, Irene Leach, Mary Alma Castellanos, Kathy Bissonette, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by brothers: David Silva and Cyril “Cootie” Silva, and his sister Agnes Silva, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws: John (Dorothy) Cosher, Fred Rocha, Richard Leach, Carlos Castellanos, Richard Bissonette, Ann Silva.

Funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 2, 2026 at St. Frances de Sales Parish, St. Christopher Site, 3945 Williamson Rd., Bridgeport. Fr. John Mancini O.F.M. Cap will officiate with cremation to follow. Friends may visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. on Sunday from 11:00-2:00 p.m. and 3:00-7:00 p.m. where a vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. officiated by Fr. Alberto Vargas. Friends may also visit on Monday at church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral liturgy. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Frances de Sales Parish, Covenant HealthCare Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Please share your words of condolence with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com