James (Jim) Michalek

James (Jim) Michalek, age 72, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2018. Jim was a lifelong Fairfield resident and an alumnus of Fairfield College Preparatory School. He was predeceased by his wife Tina Reynolds Michalek. He is survived by his sister, Eileen Sette and her husband Michael. Jim received his degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; he worked as a chemist for nearly 40 years before entering into the teaching profession at the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering in Stamford where he found great joy in working with students. A graveside service will take place on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 1530 Bronson Road in Fairfield. Jim was also an ordained minister/pastor. In the 80's he founded the "Rock Church" which was located in Fairfield. He held this position for approximately 10 years while working full time as a chemist. Also as a result of his church, one of his members, Moira Sires Thompson, decided to go to Kenya and opened Hope Homes International, an orphanage for abandoned children in Kenya. Jim purchased five acres of land which became the maize field that supplies food for the children and the staff. He also purchased the bore hole and pump to provide fresh water, and a brick making machine used to build the children's homes. Jim was one the Hope Homes Board of Directors and was deeply committed to the success of the organization. Hope Homes has been operating for over 16 years. One of Jim's main passions in life was "street evangelism/witnessing."