James I. Michalka

James (Jim) Michalka Sr.; of Torrance, passed away on Feb. 18, 2017. He was born 9/4/27 in Flint, Michigan to Gus and Edna Michalka; and grew up working in the family business; 'The Korner Shop' cleaners, which had a claim to fame by doing all the city police uniforms. Graduating from Northern High School, Jim joined the Marines and did his training at Quantico, Va. and Perris Island, assigned to duty in Puerto Rico as WWII was coming to an end. He married his high school sweetheart; Betty Ann Martin in July of 1949; and they moved to S. Calif in 1950. Living first in Culver City; they then moved to Gardena where their 3 sons were born. Jim worked in the mens' clothing field for 12 years prior to entering the residential real estate business; from 1962 until retirement in 2005; real estate office owner/broker services by Imperial Real Estate and later Bankview Real Estate Co. serving the south bay area. His positive outlook on S. Calif. real estate was such; that he would assure his customers: "If you don't like your house in 3 years...... I will buy it back at the same price your paying today." Never was he taken up on the offer! He has resided in his Torrance home since 1973. Jim was past-president of the Hollypark Kiwanis Club, Elder of Loving Shepherd Lutheran Church, sustaining member of the Gardena and Torrance YMCA, foundation member of the Little Company of Mary Hospitals, and most currently a member of First Lutheran Church/Torrance. He was also a member and officer of the Inglewood, Gardena and Torrance Board of Realtors. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Robert, wife Betty Ann in 1994. He is survived by Ora Lee Thorsen, his lifetime partner and sons: James Jr. (Eunice) of Ft. Collins, Colo., Michael Ray of Cypress, CA., Mark Arthur of Westlake Village, CA.; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. King and Jip were his faithful German shepherds; who have preceded him to the Happy Hunting grounds. Suffering from mobility issues caused by degenerative Neuropathy, he always stayed current with the daily newspaper; both business and sports. Season ticket holder for years; cheering the Lakers and the Dodgers on. Special memorable family trips included a 7000 mile round trip drive to Florida and back in the new 1963 Chev. Impala. A Washington DC family trip/tour, Michigan trips, poolside fun in Palm Springs and the Hacienda in Las Vegas (tip: press the back line), San Francisco & the Golden Gate Bridge. He always drove a Chevrolet..... to support his friends/family in Michigan. Under his Father's direction; he learned the game of golf......starting with the fine points of being a Caddy. Patriotism was a staple growing up; as Father Gus was a WW I hero, and the most highly decorated veteran in the state of Michigan. Our Dad had a heart for the least fortunate; working on the church committee for Stewardship for the Needy. His close friendship with Pastor Don Ausland was a mutual blessing for many years. Dad was always on time, carried his Daybook everywhere, and always "Thanked the Lord" for his many blessings. In the car on his morning drive to work, when dropping the boys at school, "The Lutheran Hour' and the "Heaven and Home" radio programs were always on. His admonition was always: "Success only comes before work...... in the dictionary." He knew, trusted and loved the Lord. A proud Marine, may he rest in peace. Burial will be at Greenhills Cemetery next to Betty Ann, wife of 45 years.

Memorial donations may be given to the Charity of your choice or to: City of Hope or the Little Co. of Mary Hospital Foundation, Torrance/San Pedro.


A visitation will be held 3pm - 8pm on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Green Hills Mortuary and a funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 25th at The Historic Church of Green Hills.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275