James Fell

May 24, 1941- February 12, 2024

Jim passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, at the age of eighty-two, after a lengthy illness.

Jim was born on May 24, 1941, in Manchester, England and is the son of the late John Leonard and Dorothy Pritchard Fell and was the youngest of three children.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and a sister Doris Mae Fell Keesee in 2019 as well as a grandson, Cameron Ranger in 2018.

Jim was a 1959 graduate of Lima Senior High School in Lima, Ohio. After graduation he moved to Detroit MI and pursued a career as an apprentice engineer with Ford Motor Company in Detroit and Dearborn MI for 22 years.

In 1981, Jim relocated to Phoenix, AZ and was employed by ICG and Allied Central. In April of 1986 he became an engineer with Hughes Helicopter, retiring after 18 years.

Jim was an avid Ham Radio operator, following his father’s love for the hobby. He was an active Ham Radio operator since 1973 and was proud of his “tower” attached to the back of his home. He was known to his Ham Radio buddies as “Jim” with a call name of “N7DNJ”.

Jim shared his love of NASCAR with his children and grandchildren, sharing his time as a hook truck driver with Phoenix International Raceway for over 18 years. He was a proud collector of NASCAR memorabilia, displaying model cars and pictures of several NASCAR drivers he had the pleasure of meeting and working with.

Jim decided to come out of his first retirement to accept a position with BOEING as an engineer working an additional four years. Jim then decided to put his career to rest and permanently retire.

Jim is survived by his loving bride, MaryAnn of over 52 years, his daughters, Lori A. (Fell) Bischoff (Bruce) of Wantage, NJ, Leslie E. (Fell) Pitre (Shelby) of Biloxi, MS. Alicia Fabian of Mesa, AZ, Beth Fabian Ranger (Kevin) of Auburn MI, Carrie Fabian Craig (Ty) of Scottsdale, AZ and a sister Irene Fell Holland of Charleston, SC. and his grandchildren, Brad, Amber, Jamie, Caitlin, Danika, Justin, Tyler, and Liana and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to the nurses at Honor Health, staff with Cactus Villa and Sage Hospice.

Arrangements for his care have been entrusted to Green Acres Mortuary, and in keeping with the wishes of Jim, there will be no funeral or memorial services.