With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. James Michael on August 2, 2010, after a heroic battle with lymphoma. Loving and devoted husband to Elaine Susan Michael for 42 years and son of Pandely and Krisanthe Michael, born on July 8, 1936 in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Beloved father to Margaret, Victoria, and Christopher and his wife (Alison), adoring grandfather to Alexa. Wonderful brother-in-law to Dennis Masters and his wife (Susan). Caring Uncle to Anisa and her husband (Todd), Jason, David (Megan), Benjamin and Brittany. He is survived by his wife Elaine, his sister Bessie Michael of Southbridge, Massachusetts and his brother Thomas Michael of Centerville, Massachusetts.

Raised in Southbridge, Massachusetts, he earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1958 and his Master's and PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst ( 1962 and 1964, respectively). After the completion of an internship at the Connecticut Valley Hospital in 1964 he traveled to Chicago for a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in clinical psychology. In 1966, he joined the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center. In 1975, he accepted the position of Chief of Mental Health Treatment Services and acting director of the Children's Psychiatric Unit for Monroe Developmental Services. A year later he decided to enter private practice while continuing his adjunct faculty appointment at Strong and was a vital part of the Allens Creek Psychiatric Group until his retirement in 2007. He served as a consultant to a number of agencies, including the Children's Unit at the Rochester Psychiatric Center, the Genesee Mental Health Center, Genesee Hospital and the Primary Mental Health Project, a position he greatly enjoyed. In 1989, GVPA honored him with the Psychologist of the Year Award. In 2001, the James Michael Award for Excellence on Adjunct Faculty Teaching in the Psychology Training Program, Department of Psychiatry at the URMC was established.

In his lifetime he dedicated himself to the pursuit of service to his family, friends, and community. His wonderful demeanor and great sense of humor made him an absolute joy to be around and would not go unnoticed by anyone. He had a great love for photography, music and literature. His relaxation and peace were found being with his family in Cape Cod every summer, where he enjoyed the beach, backyard cookouts, lobster dinners, as well as days spent listening to Frank Sinatra, and long walks to the beach smoking his favorite cigar.

Friends may call Friday, 4-7 PM at the funeral Chapel (2305 Monroe Ave.) Friends are invited to bring a written memory or photo of Jim for the family's Memory Book. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, from 10:00 to 12:00 at the University of Rochester Interfaith Chapel, 500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd., Rochester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James Michael Foundation. A Foundation for children in need of therapy that are unable to afford it (CINOT), 160 Allens Creek Road, Rochester, NY 14618. To share a memory or photo of James visit www.anthonychapels.com.