James “Jim” Peck, loving father, grandfather, and best friend to many, sadly passed away unexpectedly and too soon at the young age of 69 on September 2, 2025, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI, with family at his side. Jim was born in Kalamazoo on October 31, 1955, with a full moon in the night sky. He grew up in the towns of Plainwell and Otsego and always considered them to be his old stomping grounds. He was beloved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and will be leaving behind a void in the hearts of many.

Jim was a man who always lived life to its fullest. Some titles he faithfully held over the course of his life are Father, Grandfather, loving companion, master mechanic, outdoorsman, patriot, comedian, sage, coach, quick wit, best friend, educator, animal lover, motorcyclist, off-roader, traditionalist, firearms enthusiast, entrepreneur, community member, helper, comforter, and wheeler-dealer. Above all, Jim was a family man who cherished his role as Father and Grandfather the most. Whether it was teaching his kids a valuable skill or just goofing around and having fun adventures in his side-by-side with his grandchildren, he found true joy in spending time with loved ones. If you were fortunate enough to be in his circle of friends, you were family, too and knew that he would go out of his way to take care of you in any way he could.

Jim was incredibly talented with all things mechanical. His workshop was his sanctuary where he could be found applying his hard work ethic, kindness, and loyalty, repairing anything with an engine or wheels for family, friends, or customers. He even found time to fully restore many classic cars and trucks from the ground up into beautiful, show-worthy rides over the years. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. He enjoyed the challenge of building engines and finding that little bit of extra power and the perfect roar from the exhaust. He appreciated the patience it took to ideate, customize, and fabricate what he had dreamt up. He owned Trax Automotive in Schoolcraft for 27 years, where he and his business partner Tom, along with their team, kept vehicles in the community moving while supporting other local businesses, schools, and sports teams.

Jim leaves behind his loving children, Heidi (Eric Klitch) Peck, James (Lauren) Peck, Stacey (Lee) Sherman, and his grandchildren, James (JT) and Audrey Peck, and Wyatt and Kayce Sherman. He also leaves behind his long-time companion Donna Hunter, and her children and grandchildren, Janel Nugteren and daughter Kambree, Josh (Elizabeth) Nugteren and their children Hunter and Korbin, Devin Akerson, and Alexis (Lexi) Akerson. Jim also leaves behind his younger brothers Doug Peck, Gary (Sue) Peck, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in passing by his Mother and “Uncle StepDad” Maryann (Robert) Wood, sister and brother-in-law Deborah (Keith) Hodgemire, and his loyal best friend, Buster.