James Fish

Celebrating the Road Ahead for James "Jimmie" Grady Fish

September 30th, 1946 – January 21st, 2026

We celebrate the beautiful life of James Grady "Jimmie" Fish, a man who turned every mile into an adventure and every garage into a place of possibility.

Jimmie's love for classic cars never idled. He most recently retired from Reeves Restoration as a classic-car restoration expert, bringing decades of skill and genuine excitement to each project.

His work spoke for itself when Jay Leno purchased one of the cars he restored. From flawless paint jobs to precise pinstriping, Jimmie stayed true to his reputation as a lifelong Chevy man whose creations shimmered with creativity and care. He has been featured in many car magazines and placed in many car shows for his custom paint jobs.

Away from the shop, Jimmie's joy roared down drag strips in his Malibu station wagon to the sound of 60's oldies. He cheered on Vanderbilt as well as the Tennessee Titans with his family, played Wii Golf with the same focus he gave an engine rebuild, and always found time for music, sports, and games. He loved his family fiercely and proudly. He was always there whenever we needed him.

Before the car lifts and paint guns, Jimmie spent the 1970s as a bounty hunter, showing the resilience, hard work, loyalty, and determination that became his trademarks. The stories he would tell you about what happened during that time could have been a TV show.

Jimmie also played billiards like a professional. When we say he played pool, he wiped the table clean of his solids or stripes and hit that 8 ball into his called pocket to win tournaments.

Jimmie is survived by his son James A Fish; daughter Brittany (Jody O'Connor) Plante; his life partner, Bessie Marie Vansel; the mother of his children, Becky L Fish; stepsons Mike (Tonya) Vansel along with his children Melissa, Cassie and Jessie and Mark Vansel and his child Maria; grandsons Zacharey Kamacho, Jonothan Kamacho, Brennen Plante, Hunter Plante, and Camden O'Connor; niece Shelli (Danny) Barnes; son-in-law Louie Kamacho and his cherished spoiled cat Lucy. He is reunited with his daughter, Renee(Louie) Kamacho, his parents Samuel A Fish and Martha A Fish, his sisters Margaret Fish and Mary Durham, and nieces Suzanne Durham and Kristy Duffle.

Jimmie's family and friends will gather at a later date to share stories, laughter, and perhaps a favorite 60's tune in his honor. We will keep our engines warm and our spirits high, grateful for the miles we traveled with him.