James Fegan

James was born in Sault St Marie, MI on March 20, 1935, a son of the late Alvin and Frances (Dyer) Fegan. Jim graduated from Superior High School in Brimley, MI, Class of 1953, and received a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering from Michigan Tech University in 1957.

Jim started his mining career at US Steel in Hibbing, MN, where he worked for 4 years prior to moving back to the U.P. where he started his career at Cleveland Cliffs. Jim worked at the Humboldt, Republic, Tilden, and Empire Mines, retiring in 1991 as General Manager. After retirement from Cleveland Cliffs, he entered the seminary at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary to become a local Methodist Pastor. He was a longtime member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming.

Jim had several points of pride in his life. He was the past President of the Ely Township and NICE Community Schools Boards of Education. He was inducted into the Michigan Technological University Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Academy. For over 70 years, he had a passion for raising and exhibiting many breeds of chickens, and loved traveling the country with his kids while winning numerous awards and trophies. He went on to become a Grand Master Exhibitor and Licensed Judge for the American Poultry Association.

Jim is survived by six children; John (Monique) Fegan, Noreen (Kurt) Spencer, Nancy (David) Hull, Norma (William) Tibor, Timothy Fegan, and Jennifer (Paul Wehmanen) Fegan, a brother Merlin Fegan, 8 grandchildren: Amy (Ryan) Sjoholm, Aaron Fegan, Rodney Fegan, Caitlin (James) Shepherd, Erin (Brett) Armstrong, Kyle (fiancee Sarah) Spencer, Megan Spencer, Summer (Liam) Gromley, two great grandchildren: Mina and Grey and one more expecting, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy Fegan, and sister-in-law Barbara Fegan.

Jim’s family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11: 00 am at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming where his funeral service will be held at 11:00 am with Rev. Scott Sherrill to officiate.

A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John Fegan, Norma Tibor, Kyle Spencer, Kurt Spencer, Paul Wehmanen, and Brett Armstrong.

The family would like to express their endless appreciation to the staff of Teal Lake Senior Living Community, as well as the staff at UPHS Bell, for the tender and compassionate care they provided. It will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be directed to the Wesley United Methodist Church in memory of James Fegan. Jim’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.