James Edwin Fletcher

James Edwin Fletcher, age 72, passed away surrounded by family in his home in Troy, MI on April 10, 2023. Born at the height of the baby boom in Royal Oak, Jim's childhood was filled with daily paper routes; pickup games of baseball and basketball with friends and his two brothers, Gary and Craig; and bike riding with his sister Sharon. Warm Michigan summers meant family vacations with his cousins to the Upper Peninsula. A graduate of Royal Oak schools, he began working for his Dad after high school in the warehouse and trucking industry. Having outgrown dirt bikes, he still sought adventure. He took a hiatus from work and road-tripped to California with friends. When he came back he returned to work where his father relied on him more and more. He rose through the ranks and became warehouse manager at Materials Processing, Inc. (MPI) where he and Craig became the solid foundation of a growing company. He met his first wife Marie through friends at a local bowling league. She and her young daughter Lisa, fell in love with Jim very quickly. His calm demeanor and goofy sense of humor were just what they needed. It didn't hurt that he bought Lisa a kitten! Some of the best times were at their cottage on the bluff overlooking Lake Huron. Their happy days ended too soon when Marie passed away in 1990. Such a caring person was bound to find companionship again. He found it with Jamie who lived across the street. They took road trips, played tennis, and enjoyed each other's company, ultimately marrying in 1995. Family was a vital part of Jim's life. Every Sunday was spent with Craig, Jamie, and their daughter Jessie playing cards, watching sports, and enjoying each other's company. Having the in-laws across the street also meant big Davis family gatherings where Jim quickly became everyone's favorite uncle and role model. After over 30 years working at MPI, he retired in 2002. Retirement suited Jim who spent his free days doing what he did best: taking care of loved ones, friends, and family. Always quick to offer an extra hand with a house project, he was many of his neighbors' first call for advice and assistance. Not one to be an idle stay-at-home dad, Jim spent Jessie's school days stocking the house with the family's favorite Costco snacks, dropping off a forgotten clarinet before band practice, and keeping score at middle and high school softball games. Jim was a genuinely thoughtful person who was always aware of others needs and feelings. This extended to his four-legged family as well. He was truly a dog whisperer. Over the years he never let any of his dogs' welfare be sacrificed for his comfort. He walked them in all weather and snuck food from his plate whenever he could. Jim valued family connections and relationships old and new. Whenever a family member needed someone, Jim was the person you could rely on, whether it was a trip to the doctor, or a lawn that needed mowing. He relaxed completely surrounded by family and loved to listen to the conversations going on around him. As we remember him, and miss him, we will try to follow his advise to not sweat the small stuff, and appreciate life's small perfect moments. Predeceased by his parents Lee and Irene, siblings Sharon and Craig, and first wife Marie, Jim is survived by his wife Judith "Jamie", his daughters Lisa (Derek Seitz) Klewicki and Jessica "Jessie" (Taher), and his brother Gary. Memorial visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 19, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (4 blocks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, 48067. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday April 19, 1:00 PM at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 3061 N. Adams Rd., Bloomfield Hills, 48304. Memorial contributions can be made to Michigan Animal Rescue League () or Gleaners Community Food Bank ().

James Edwin Fletcher

October 27, 1950 - April 10, 2023