James F. Sovey

Resided in Flat Rock, MI
Died October 21, 2021

James F. Sovey, age 73, of Flat Rock, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021 at St. Francis Hospital.

Jim was born February 17, 1948 in Escanaba, MI, the son of Alex and Helen (Alligham) Sovey.

Jim was united in marriage to Barbara Delveaux July 22, 1967. They have lived at 3803 County 416 20th Road (Flat Rock) for 51 years. Together they raised their two children, Troy and Nikki, here.

Jim loved going to camp which he built with his friend Lynn Richards. It was a log cabin and they worked very hard cutting logs while their wives, Barb and Linda Richards, peeled the logs. He enjoyed hunting. He loved watching the deer and all the wildlife. He would take his camp dog, Dusty, who wouldn’t go anywhere without him. Jim also enjoyed his Harley. Jim and Barb took many trips with his brother, Alex and Sharon.

Jim also enjoyed golf, bowling, horseshoes, and being a member of the vintage tin car club. Jim retired from Plumbers and Pipefitters in 2000. He then bought a ‘55 Chevy Belair and started to restore it. He loved working on his car up until he got sick in 2004. When he was ready to put the motor in, he was in St. Mary’s Hospital (Mayo Clinic). His friends, Lee Carlson, John Lemmerand, and Jack Holt came to the rescue and had the motor in his car by the time he returned home. He never forgot the kind deed his friends did for him. His car was his pride and joy. Jim kept it spotless and how dare a bug land on it.

Jim loved to make things out of steel. He would spend time in his garage welding for hours until he got it right. If he needed a tool that he didn’t have, he would make one that would work.

Jim especially enjoyed his grandchildren. They were the light of his life. When his children moved out, he had empty nest syndrome. Barb had a hard time keeping him busy.

In addition to his living wife Barb, Jim is survived by:
Son: Troy (Heather Ellison) Sovey of Gladstone, MI
Daughter: Nikki (John) Miller of Gladstone, MI
Grandchildren: Harrison and Lia Sovey and Stone and Remington Miller.
3 Brothers: Alex (Sharon) Sovey of Gwinn, MI
Pat (Cherese) Sovey of Gladstone, MI
Don (Jeane) Sovey of Kingsford, MI
1 Sister: Jean (Mike) Jacques of Flat Rock, MI
And many Nieces and Nephews

Jim was preceded in death by his Parents.

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 29, 2021 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM at the Escanaba Township Hall in Flat Rock. Funeral services will begin at 6:00 PM and a meal will follow. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Sovey family.

16 Tributes for “James F. Sovey”

    Hi Barb, Our hearts go out to you at this time. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family with special Prayers.
    Warm hugs my friend. Ann and Ralph.

    Barb and family it is with a sadden heart that I find myself sending you my deepest sympathies. Jim was such a joy to be around and always asking how everyone was doing while he was the one who needed the inquiries about how he was doing. He will be missed from the car club and all members we all looked forward to being together at the gatherings. May you find solace in your times ahead and know you’ll be reunited at some point. Again our deepest sympathies. RIP Jim.

    Jim was a very good man. He almost always had a smile for you. Barb we are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers for you & your family.

    Heartfelt sympathies to Barb and to Jim’s surviving family members. Another one of the Flat Rock good guys has left us. Have good memories of “Sovey Child” as our old friend Jerry Artley nicknamed Jim. Also recall our Babe Ruth Baseball days when his Dad coached us at Flat Rock. Jim will be missed by all who knew him.

    Our hearts and prayers go out to Barb, Nikki ,Troy and family. Jim was a wonderful friend and racing buddy. Jack so enjoyed going to the races with Jim on Saturdays. We all had a great time at all the Car Shows over the years. Now his room of trophies remains in place to remind us for his hard work on that 55 Chev. We will miss his talks about everyone in the area he knew( and there were many) it seemed like every time we were out he would run into someone he knew. Our deepest sympathies to all the family. and Maddy too.

    Barb I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May our Heavenly Father bless him with eternal peace.

    Barb….we are so sorry to hear about your loss. We are praying for you and your family as you go thru this sad tome. The last time we saw Jim was at the Krusin Klassics FunRun this year. I will miss seeing Jim driving his beautiful Chevy…..I always got a wave and a smile from him if I was driving my 56 Chevy. May the memories you have made as a family bring you comfort , for they are the ties that bind
    . Rod & Kay VanBrocklin

    Barb, family and friends.
    I worked with Jim over the years In the pipefitter trades. He was my foreman and a great teacher during outages. Sadly
    Missed, memories are forever, RIP Jim. God bless you Barb and your family.
    Les Elder, Riverland

    Barb,Troy,Nikki and family I am deeply saddened on the lost of my forever best friend.He was a BEST MAN.”I shall pass through this world but once therefore any goodness I can do kindness I can share I should do it now for I shall do it now for I shall pass this way again”.This was Jim.

    Barb, Nikki & Troy,

    My heart just breaks for you all. I just heard about the passing of your dad, Jim today. I’m so sorry I won’t be able to go/see you to pay my respects at the funeral.
    Your dad was a great man. He was always joking around and always made us laugh, I remember as a kid. We had many great times with all of you at your house and camp. ((Hugs)) to you all- he will be missed. We are sending our love and prayers to you all at this difficult time.
    The Michael & Lori (Richards) Mitsch Family

    Four guys were sitting together probably drinking soda pop. Artley, Boden, Budkis, and Sovey. Boden asked Sovey “Jim, how did a toad like you get a looker like that Delveaux girl?” Sovey grinned then said “So, Ronny. How fast will that car of yours go?”
    On a selfish note, I’m running out of people that I call my friend.
    My wife Carol and I are very sorry for your loss.
    Jeff and Carol Boden

    My sincere condolences to Jim’s entire family! It was always nice to see him and talk to him at the races. I loved his sense of humor. May you Rest in Peace my friend!

    Barb and family-we are thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Jim will surely be missed. We pray that you will find strength and comfort knowing that friends and family are holding you close in their thoughts.

    To all of the family and friends of Jimmy Sovey, please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss.
    May you RIP Jimmy,

    Dick Allingham

    Sending my most heartfelt condolences to Barb, Troy, Nikki, and the rest of the family. A favorite memory is when my dad Wallen and I went ice fishing with Jim (who was my godfather). It was always so fun to hang out with him.

    In the mid 1960’s Jim and a couple other friends and I worked & lived together in the Detroit area one summer. We all enjoyed Jim’s low keyed laugh & smile, especially on the road trips down and back. I have only run into Jim at car shows in the last number of years, but he will always make me smile when I think of him. God rest the soul of this good man.

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