James H. Fish

James H. “Jim” Fish September 5, 1943 – December 27, 2025 Cooper Township, Michigan

Jim Fish passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. Born in Kalamazoo on September 5, 1943, to Earl and Elsie Fish, Jim was the second of four children and grew up on the city’s east side. After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, he chose to serve his country by joining the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve—an experience that remained a source of deep pride throughout his life.

Following his active-duty service, Jim returned to Kalamazoo and began what became a 35+ year career in papermaking, starting with Brown Company in Parchment. Known for his work ethic and fairness, he held a variety of roles over the years, including union contract negotiator, and ultimately retired from Plainwell Paper as Assistant Superintendent in 2001.

In 1960, Jim met the love of his life, Roycene (Rollins) Fish, and the two married in 1965. Their marriage spanned more than 50 years until Roycene’s passing in 2019, and together they built a life centered on family, laughter, and shared adventure.

Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his two sons, Mathew and Michael. Summers meant family swims in the backyard pool or weekends at the cottage on Round Lake in northern Michigan. Whether casting a line, towing kids on a tube, or simply steering the boat across calm water, Jim was always in his element outdoors and with the people he loved.

The Fish family became part of what came to be known as the “Five Families,” a close-knit group of lifelong friends who camped, canoed, tackled road rallies, and created decades of stories that are still retold today. Jim approached every outing with enthusiasm—often proclaiming he would show everyone the “correct way” to do things, even if the results did not always go to plan. Those moments became legends of their own, always met with Jim’s quick grin and good humor. After their children were grown, Jim and Roycene continued traveling with the group, exploring Costa Rica, the Grand Canyon, the West Coast, the Northeast, and many places in between.

A passionate outdoorsman, Jim spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and tending to what neighbors affectionately called “Farmer Jim’s” garden. The vegetable stand in his front yard was open to all—anyone passing by was welcome to take what they needed from his generous harvest.

In his later years, Jim found a second home at The Rooster Call, where he shared countless breakfasts with friends who felt like family. He never left without a side order of sausage for his beloved dog, Charlie, who survives him and now lives (very spoiled) with Matt and Mollie.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Roycene; his parents, Earl and Elsie Fish; and his brother, Hugh Fish. He is survived by his sons and their families—Mathew & Mollie Fish of Richland, Michigan, and Michael & Amy Fish of Lafayette, Georgia; grandchildren Mackenzie, Avery, Molly Ryan, Thomas, Briana, Luca, and Draven; sisters Dorothy Tielking of Gobles, Michigan, and Janice (Bob) Lang of Kalamazoo, Michigan; brothers-in-law Duane (Linda) Rollins of El Paso, Texas, and Ron (Carolyn) Rollins of Leland, North Carolina; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Haven Church, 5350 Sprinkle Road, Kalamazoo, Michigan, with David Person officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a favorite charity in Jim’s honor.