James "Jim" Owen Fellows

James “Jim” Owen Fellows, 80, of Traverse City, passed away March 6, 2026, at Munson Medical Center. Jim was born on January 6, 1946, in Cadillac, Michigan, to the late Loren and Edith (Watson) Fellows. While in the 11th grade, Jim made the decision to enlist in the Navy. After getting his father’s permission, he joined at just 17 years old and served his country. He served aboard submarines from 1963 until 1966. Following his time in the service, Jim returned home and met the love of his life, Janice Ruth Cozart. They were married on July 8, 1967 in Grawn, MI. Together they lovingly raised their son, Steven. Jim was a hard worker and provider his entire life. He was a proud truck driver for Cherry Growers and several other companies. His CB handle was “The Instigator.” He loved driving truck and spent more than 20 years on the road all over the Country. Janice and Jim shared many wonderful years together. They enjoyed taking special trips to Mexico and other warm winter destinations with close friends. Their home was always a welcoming place, and it often became a gathering spot where everyone felt comfortable stopping by. Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing cards. He especially enjoyed euchre and poker. He could fix just about anything, earning him the nickname “Mr. Fix-It.” He was also a wonderful cook and known for his famous pizza. Jim always had Tootsie Rolls on hand, and his grandchildren loved riding with him in his “Tootsie Roll convertible,” a name they proudly gave the car. He was the biggest fan at many softball games and concerts and was always there cheering on his grandchildren. He was a truly devoted and loving grandfather. After his beloved wife Janice passed away in 2013, Jim’s family moved in to help care for him. He still helped with cooking and whatever tasks he could, and he treasured the time spent surrounded by family. A few years ago, he moved to the Grand Traverse Pavilions, where he formed many special friendships with the staff. He was deeply loved there and will be greatly missed. Jim will always be remembered for his brutally honest, yet loving and caring spirit. Jim is survived by his son, Steven (Penny) Fellows; his granddaughters, Lauren (Fiancé John Pendock) and Hannah Fellows; his siblings; Marlo Fellows of Wyoming, MI Linda (Pete) Sharp of Cadillac, Mike (Darlene) Fellows from Cadillac, Donny and Doug Fellows from Manton, Donna (Steve) Clapp from Breckenridge, MI, his in-laws John Shumsky, Nancy (Robert) Burns, Kandie (Lisa) Cozart and many other loving family members and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Janice, in 2013, his siblings, Jerry, Judy, Karen, Greg, Brenda and his sister-in-law Dianna Shumsky. Funeral services with military honors will be held at 3pm Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 2pm In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to P.A.T.H. (Passing Along the Heritage), a special needs veterans and hunting organization that was close to Jim’s heart, or to the Fellows family. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

James "Jim" Owen Fellows

January 6, 1946 - March 6, 2026