FETTES, James Harvey

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for the moments we shared, we announce the passing of James “Jim” Harvey Fettes. Jim, 87, of Mount Forest, Ontario, passed away at Louise Marshall Hospital on Friday, October 23, 2026. Born in Mount Forest on September 22, 1939, Jim was the second of four sons born to Zelda and Alex Fettes. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Donald and David. He is survived by his loving wife, Kay. The couple celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on September 22, 2026—a date famously easy for Jim to remember, as it was also his birthday. He is also survived by his son, Scott (Heather and son Isaac); his daughter, Kelly (son Ryan); and his younger brother, Robert “Bob”; as well as his many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Jim lived in Mount Forest his entire life. During his teenage years, he worked several part-time jobs, including helping on a local farm during harvest time, at the local pharmacy, grocery store, and the lumber company. At 17 years old, one of Jim’s early accomplishments was earning the rank of Queen Scout, awarding him the privilege of embarking on his first ever plane ride “across the pond” for the 1957 World Scout Jamboree, in Sutton Coldfield, England. This adventure sparked his love of travel. While in high school, he walked young Kay to and from school and they became high school sweethearts. Upon entering the full-time workforce, he joined Cherry Stewart Lumber, where he later married the boss’s daughter. Together, he and Kay owned and operated Lloyd Stewart Lumber for many years, retiring together in the early 2000’s. He was a well-respected business leader in our community and an esteemed member of the Lumber & Building Materials Association of Ontario. Jim loved spending time at the family cottage on Georgian Bay, and embarking on global adventures alongside his favourite travel partner, Kay. He will be fondly remembered for his passion for family boating excursions—navigating the waters of the Trent, Rideau, and North Channel—as well as golfing alongside his regular crews, the “Sunday Mourners” and the “TBDers”, and snowmobiling. His deep love for sledding really started at the cottage during the late 70’s. He used to ride with his little girl sitting right in front of him, her helmet smacking his chin whenever she nodded off to sleep. Kay followed behind on the second machine with their son, Scott holding on tight and hoping not to bounce off as they sped over the trails! After the children grew up, Jim and Kay ventured on extended snowmobile journeys throughout Quebec and Northern Ontario, forming cherished friendships in towns like Cochrane, Hearst, and Kapuskasing. Incredibly, even this past winter, Jim was out on the trails, logging more than 5,200 kilometers on his newest sled. The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at the Louise Marshall Hospital for the exceptional care provided to Jim and his family. Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation. Donations and online condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com