Life Story / Obituary
Roland “Joe” Jarskey, Jr.
December 11, 1953 – May 10, 2025
Roland G. (Joe) Jarskey, Jr., 71, of Buckley, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025 in Traverse City with his loving family by his side. Joe was born on December 11, 1953 in Northville, Michigan to Roland Sr. and Phyllis (Lee) Jarskey. On August 25, 1973, he married Debra Lemkie in Inkster, Michigan and together they had three sons.
Joe was raised in Williamsburg, Michigan, where he attended and graduated from Elk Rapids High School. Joe was employed at D&D Contracting for many years before working and retiring from the Grand Traverse Road Commission after 17 years and recognized by his co-workers as “Joe Jarskey 472.“
Joe was an outdoorsman and particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his sons. He loved to play golf and enjoyed hosting poker nights for family and friends at his house for many years. Joe was a loving and caring husband and father, as well as a proud grandfather.
Joe will be greatly missed by his wife, Debra, three sons, Nick (Tiffany) of Marine City, Eric of Buckley, and Shawn (Holli) of Buckley, as well as his four grandchildren Skye, Jade, Jace, and Liam. Joe is also survived by his mother, Phyllis, of Ocala, Florida and three brothers Gary (Nancy) Singleton of South Lyon, Carl Singleton of Ocala, Florida and Mike (Debbie) Singleton of Mount Pleasant, as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Roland Jarskey, Sr. in 1991.
A family gathering and celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date. The family invites you to please share your thoughts or a memory of Joe at www.lifestorytc.com.