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James "Jim" Fettes
October 23, 2026
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.
Condolences
Kay, Scott and Kelly,
I consider myself truly fortunate to have known Jim throughout my entire life. He was a friend, mentor, sledding buddy, and unofficial ‘consultant’ on so many projects / issues that I tackled over the years. He was a wise and considerate man who taught me many valuable lessons. So many excellent memories of Jim. My deepest condolences to you, Scott and Kelly on his passing.
Paul Barnard
Our sincere condolences to Kay and the entire Fettes family on the passing of Jim.
I had the privilege of working for Jim and Kay at Lloyd Stewart Lumber in the early 1980s. Those were memorable times, and I have always remembered Jim with great respect and appreciation as one of my first employers.
Three decades later, while working as a uniformed OPP officer, I was walking across the parking lot of a local marina when I heard a very familiar whistle. I immediately recognized it. It was the unmistakable whistle of a man I had respected many years earlier — Jim Fettes. I knew instantly that it could only be Jim.
As it turned out, Jim and Kay were enjoying their retirement and travelling throughout the province. That unexpected encounter brought back many memories of those early days at Lloyd Stewart Lumber and reminded me of the lasting impression Jim had made on me.
It is funny how a simple sound can bring back a lifetime of memories. I will always remember Jim not only as one of my first employers, but as a good man who left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kay, their family, and all those who loved Jim during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Shawn and Joan Rae
Kay & Family
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Jim………our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Stan & Glenna Dungey
My sincere condolences to Kay on the loss of your husband who was one of the finest gentlemen you could ever meet.
— Dr Hugh Perrin, October 26, 2026Kay, Scott, Kelly and families,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband/father.
Jim was such a nice man and know he will be missed by many.
So many memories were made with all of you and I hope remembering those times will help ease the grieving process a little bit.
Your family is in our thoughts.
Tony, Denise and Olivette Le Blanc