James R. Hedges

James Richard Hedges died peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the age of 53 after a long battle with illness. Born on December 17, 1972, in Monroe, Michigan, Jim was the ninth and beloved child of Gerald and Monica (Koslosky) Hedges, who fervently modeled love of God and service to others. Their commitment to raising their children in the faith was evident in their devotion to daily prayer and mass. Jim spent his early life in Ida, Michigan, where he graduated from Ida High School in 1991. From a young age, his hard work and attentiveness to the needs of others demonstrated his lifelong virtue of charity. On October 20, 1995, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Wyandotte, Jim married the love of his life, Kelly. Their 30 years of marriage stood as a testament to their faith and devotion to one another. Jim was the proud father of four daughters, Grace, Emma, Lucy, and Mary, and grandfather of Carter James Hedges. He led his family not only by word and prayer, but by example, teaching his girls sacrificial love, faith in God, integrity, and loyalty. Their habit of family rosaries and mass attendance strengthened their trust in God and closeness with one another. Jim was first hired by the Hazel Park Fire Department and later joined the Trenton Fire Department in October of 1993. After 25 years of service in Trenton, he retired in 2018. His unwavering leadership, compassion, humility, and courage reflected his steadfast dedication to serving others as the hands and feet of Christ. Jim was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Kelly, four children, Grace, Emma, Lucy, and Mary, grandson, Carter James Hedges, eight siblings, Gerald (Alana) Hedges, William (Karen) Hedges, Father John Hedges, Sherry Barger, Dennis (Elaine) Hedges, David (Sandy) Hedges, Sharan (Jason) Kiley, and Joseph (Kim) Hedges, and many nieces and nephews–great and great-great. He is preceded in death by his parents, Monica and Gerald, and grandparents, Edward and Helen Koslosky, and Roy and Florence Hedges.