James "Paul" MacCormack was born on January 24, 1945, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Proud of his Irish and Scottish heritage, he was the son of James Robert MacCormack and Donalda Agnes MacCormack (McKee). He passed away on November 3, 2026, at 81 years old.

Paul graduated from Western Michigan University, earning a master's degree in clinical psychology. During his college years, he met Janet, the love of his life. They married in 1974, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades.

Paul devoted his professional life to caring for others. He began his career with the State of Michigan, working at the Plymouth and Alpine Centers, before joining Macomb Oakland Regional Center (MORC) in 1976. Throughout his career, he was a dedicated advocate for people with developmental disabilities, championing their rights and well-being. He retired as Associate Director in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the people he served. For Paul, caring for others was more than a profession; it was a reflection of who he was.

Outside of his professional life, Paul was an avid fisherman and boater. For more than 50 years, he returned to the same fishing camp in North Bay, Ontario, a tradition that began with his father and continued through annual fishing trips with family and friends. These trips became a cherished part of his life, filled with friendship, laughter, and undoubtedly a few fishing stories that grew more impressive with each telling. Paul was always happy to talk about the size of his catch, although those who knew him best understood that size wasn't everything.

Paul is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janet Lynn MacCormack (Berglund), and his five children: Kelly MacCormack, Kelly's wife, Susan (Williams), and their daughters, Maggie and Molly; Heather MacCormack, her husband, Mike, and Heather's children, Tanner and Jordie; Jennifer MacCormack; Julia Whitcher, her husband, Jeff, and children, Megan, Mike, Matt, Gavin, and James Paul; and Elizabeth Kaselitz, her husband, Tim, and their daughters, Juliet, Lucia, and Vivienne.

He is also survived by his brother, Jamison Robert MacCormack; his sister-in-law, Terry (Talbot), and nephew, Nathan; and his sister, Deborah Ann Gerst, and her husband, Henry.

Paul will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his dedication to others, and the countless memories he created with those he loved. His was a life well lived, filled with purpose, laughter, and, whenever possible, a little time on the water.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Overtyme Grill & Tap Room, 4724 Dixie Highway, Waterford Township, Michigan 48329 tel: (248)674-4507

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Paul's memory to either of the following organizations, both of which reflect his lifelong commitment to supporting people with developmental disabilities. 

The Arc of Oakland County 1641 West Big Beaver Road Troy, MI 48084 Phone: (248) 816-1900 Email: dcalnen@thearcoakland.org Website: www.thearcoakland.org 

The Arc advocates for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting individuals and families in building meaningful, independent lives.

GiGi's Playhouse Detroit 19799 W. 12 Mile Road, Suite L15 Southfield, MI 48076 Phone: (248) 557-9899 Email: Detroit@gigisplayhouse.org Website: www.gigisplayhouse.org 

GiGi's Playhouse provides free therapeutic, educational, and research-driven programs for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome.