Adam Christopher Sgambelluri, age 34, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 4, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. He was born on February 18, 1989, to his parents, Meredith Sheldon (nee: Jackemeyer) and Carlo Sgambelluri, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Visitation with Adam’s family will take place from 10:00 – 12:00 pm at Starks and Menchinger Chapel (2650 Niles Rd. Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085) with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm officiated by Pastor Jackson Moore. Burial will take place in Hickory Bluff Cemetery. For a more lasting memory, donations in Adam’s name can be made out to the Detroit Sound Conservancy or the Detroit Techno Family, LLC for the upcoming Boys & Girls Club of Michigan project.
Adam was a country boy at heart, raised predominantly in rural Northern Michigan, living first in Herron, and then spending his formative years in West Branch, Michigan where he graduated from Ogemaw Hills Christian School in 2007.
While in high school, Adam participated in the school’s praise band, playing bass guitar, while also taking time to deliver the local advertiser, film commercials and restore a damaged 2001 Corvette t-top with a friend, his first foray into what would become a lifetime love of cars.
After graduation, Adam attended Spring Arbor University and later Jackson Community College, where he took classes in automotive technology, before ultimately deciding to move to Detroit with friends to enjoy life in the Motor City.
Living in Detroit, Adam was able to embrace his love of automobiles, both at work and in his spare time. He spent the majority of his years in Detroit employed at Certified Factory Wheel, where he worked until his passing. There he was able to admire all of the classic and luxury cars that came in for repair. In addition to admiring cars at work, he also enjoyed attending events such as the Detroit Auto Show.
In addition to his love for cars, Adam grew his love for music. Adam was a longtime employee of the Magic Bag in Ferndale, a venue for concerts and performances. During his time there he developed a love of house music, and soon began creating his own under the moniker of DJ Cowboy Paul. As Cowboy Paul, Adam participated in Deeper Waters Gatherings with several other Detroit artists and was half of Los Banditos with his musical partner Rico Leos. His musical endeavors took him many places, including Mexico, and Miami, Florida.
While Adam enjoyed traveling with his various professional endeavors, he loved nothing more than spending time in nature, and was often found in his hammock with his faithful companion Mason, his beloved Australian Shepherd, by his side. He and Mason were frequently found on Belle Isle, where Adam would go to unwind from his hectic life.
While Adam had no children of his own, he doted on those of his friends and his sisters, his nieces and nephews both by blood and by friendship being some of his favorite people. He was ever willing to spend time at the zoo, or read stories, and always found the perfect gift or treat to brighten the day of all of his little best friends.
Wherever Adam went, through all things, he made friends, and helped all those in need. He was generous to a fault and lived simply so he could give more to others.
Adam is survived by his parents, Meredith (Spencer) Sheldon and Carlo Sgambelluri; sisters Alicia (Joseph) Rodenbeck and Libby (Ted) Flinn; his beloved nieces and nephews – Clara, Philip, Logan, Davey and Beth; his grandmother, Judy Jackemeyer; aunts and uncles, Melanie (David) Lhotka, Michael (Susan) Jackemeyer, and Rodney (Rhonda) Sgambelluri; as well as his 9 cousins. He is also survived by his godmother – Brenda Schumacher; and his dog – Mason, who was his faithful companion through many of his life’s journeys; and by myriads of friends whom he loved.
Adam is preceded in death by his Grandparents – Vern Jackemeyer of Stevensville, MI and Carlo and Janice Sgambelluri of Bronson, MI, and one Aunt, Elizabeth Stewart, of Bronson, MI
Memorial Contributions
DETROIT SOUND CONSERVANCY
Service Details
Visitation
When
January 13th, 2024 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Service
When
January 13th, 2024 12:00pm
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph , MI 49085
Interment
Where
Hickory Bluff Cemetery
Address
4290 Cleveland Avenue
Stevensville , MI 49127