James E. Quinnell, age 89, of Pickford, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 19, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of family, friends and remarkable achievements. He was born on July 6, 1935, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to John and Violet (Rudd) Quinnell, Jim was a proud graduate of Pickford High School, where he excelled in athletics, earning All-State honors in basketball and playing a key role in Pickford’s first Track Team, which started a winning streak of 27 consecutive UP State Finals.
He continued his passion for sports at Lake Superior State University (then called Sault Tech), where he played basketball and ran track. His basketball team was inducted into the LSSU Hall of Fame for averaging 101 points per game, and as he often pointed out, this was without the benefit of a three-point line. While at LSSU, he received the Clifford Everett Award for athlete of the year. Jim then attended Northern Michigan University, where he ran track and received his Bachelor of Science degree. In all he earned 7 college letters in sports. He then attended Wayne State University to obtain his mortuary license in 1958.
On August 9, 1957, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Beth Wallis. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in October 2014. He was the owner of the Quinnell Funeral Home for over 25 years. He later built and operated the Comfort Inn in Sault Ste. Marie until his retirement in 1999.
Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their cottage on the lake in Hessel and took many memorable trips to Florida. He was deeply involved in his community, making countless contributions to those around him. He served on the Board of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation for over 33 years, and on the board of the Munoscong Golf Club for more than 40 years. He was a lifetime member of the Pickford Presbyterian Church and a member of the Pickford Lions Club. Jim loved snowmobiling, golfing, boating, and hunting. He looked forward to meeting with friends every morning for coffee where they would engage in lively discussions and attempt to solve the world’s problems.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Pam (Mike) Zamora of Grand Junction, CO; son, Mike (Sandy) Quinnell of Freeland, MI; grandchildren, Nathan (Elizabeth) Pancheri, Adam (Corinna) Pancheri, Emily (Troy) Gomez, Quinn Zamora, Lauren (Max) Modrall, and Ryan Quinnell; great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Hudson Pancheri, Corbin, Piper, and Myles Pancheri, and Rylie Jo Gomez; sister-in-law, Ardith Bawks; and many close nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beth; and daughter, Jacki Pancheri.
Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 3:00 PM till 7:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford, 24549 S. M-129, Pickford, MI 49774 and on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM till 11:00 AM at Pickford Presbyterian Church, 115 E John St, Pickford, MI 49774. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM.
The burial will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, in Bruce Township, Michigan.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Picford Presbyterian Church, PO Box 266. Pickford, MI 49774 or to the Pickford Public Schools Sports Booster, 333 S. Pleasant St., Pickford, MI 49774.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
