James "Jim" Ney

James Ronald “Jim” Ney, 86, of Kewadin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, with his beloved wife at his side. He was born on June 16, 1939, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, the son of Rufus and Verna Ney.

Jim graduated from Minersville High School in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after. Upon his discharge from the military, Jim settled in Flint, MI, where he would marry the love of his life, Frances Wolak, on August 26, 1961. The pair spent several years in Flushing, MI, before moving to Northern Michigan and settling in Kewadin for the last 39 years. Jim worked as a metal fabricator and spent most of his career with Jarvis Web working on Automatic Guided Vehicles.

Jim enjoyed golfing, especially in the men’s league at A-Ga-Ming. He also spent much of his time tending to his flower and vegetable gardens at his house. Jim was an avid snowmobile racer in his younger days and raced in the Michigan I-500 several times over the years. He and Fran looked forward to hauling their fifth wheel to Casa Grande in Arizona for a few months over the winter for over twenty years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Frances “Fran” Ney; his sister Marie Keefer of Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Russ Ney, Floyd Ney, and Marlin Ney; two sisters, Dorothy Dower and Joan Antanelly; and several step-siblings.

A memorial service will take place at a later date.  Details will be announced as they are made available.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 143 Charles, Elk Rapids, MI 49629.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com