James A. Treece

James A. Treece
Died November 21, 2025
TRAVERSE CITY – James Albert Treece, 93, of Traverse City, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Munson Hospice House surrounded by the love of his family.
Jim was born June 11, 1932, in Garfield Township, Michigan the son of Glenn and Lyla (Laidlaw) Treece. On November 7, 1959, in Traverse City he married the love of his life Patricia Lou Ray who preceded in death on August 20, 2024.
Jim proudly served as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean war and was stationed in Germany for two years. Jim made lifelong friendships and enjoyed many European adventures and loved to tell them to his children.
Jim and Pat spent winters at their second home in Kissimmee, Florida. Jim was a very social person and loved his mornings on the lanai greeting neighbors and then cleaning up at the clubhouse poker table a couple of times a week. They also generously gave their time volunteering at Give Kids the World.
Jim was politically present and served as an election inspector for Traverse City for over fifty years.
Sports always played an important part in Jim's life. In his younger years, you could find him on the ball field and golf course where he achieved the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. He could also be found "watching the game" and loved the Lions and Tigers, volunteering his time in Florida at spring training camp in Lakeland. Jim was also a big baseball card fanatic and he and Pat would travel to different card shows selling and trading.
Jim retired at 58 years old from the United States Postal Service and made many dear friends on his postal routes of Long Lake and then the Peninsula. Anyone that met Jim always referred to him as that funny and sweet man.
Jim and his friends would take hunting trips out west for several years. Where it was more about the friendship and pulling some really great pranks than hunting. It must be where he perfected his ability to tell the best dad jokes.
But most of all Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. Where "dad's secret recipe spaghetti" was always requested and hours were spent around the table with love and lots of laughter. Affectionately dubbed "Papa and Nini" by their only grandchild, he was our anchor, and they will both be forever loved and missed.
Jim is survived by his children, Yollie Treece (Lynda Benavidez), Pamela (Joseph) Scholtens, Douglas (Laurie) Treece; and a grandson, Hayden Treece.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat; and a son, John William Treece.
Cremation has taken place and private family burial in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens will be held in July.
Please share condolences and memories with the family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson funeral home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.