James Jay Fillwock

East Lansing, Michigan

TODAY, I LOST MY BEST FRIEND AND THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. James Jay Fillwock, passed away in the early hours of the morning on February 1, 2012, at the tender age of 58. Though he left us far too soon, he leaves a legacy of memories and life lessons that will stay with us forever. Jim taught us about courage, kindness, compassion, quiet strength and unconditional love. He taught us about enduring life’s adversities without complaining. He never saw himself as anything other than an ordinary guy, but those who met him knew him as an extraordinary man. He was by his nature, the definition of a “good man.” He loved to laugh and his sense of humor was often what drew people to him. The three most important things in life to Jim were his family and friends, his granddog Jack, and golf---- and, on any given day they weren’t always in that order or importance. He was a wonderful husband to JoAnne and a great dad to Matthew.

He leaves behind his wife of 27 years, JoAnne; son, Matthew Beard; parents, Bill and Pat Fillwock of Lansing; siblings Judy (Maurice) Mead of Mason, Dennis (Linda) Fillwock of Albuquerque, NM, Jerry (Nancy) Fillwock of St. Johns, many, many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Jim. To his special Bush League buddies who brought so much joy and laughter into his life, he said to tell you all he’s lining up tee times at the best golf courses in heaven and when you’re ready to join him, he’ll be waiting for you---but there’s no rush, because Jim also taught us about patience.

Our family would like to thank all of the wonderful doctors and nurses in the Sparrow Hospital ICU who cared for Jim during his seven week stay there. A special thanks to Dr. Marc Basson, who was Jim’s biggest advocate and, until the end, never gave up hope that Jim could get better.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 4:00 pm at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. prior to the service at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48910 or an animal shelter of your choice. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held the first day of golf season for the Bush League on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at El Dorado Golf Course between 1 and 4 p.m. On line condolences may made to www.greastlansing.com.