James F Fabry

James Francis Fabry was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 11, 1940. He grew up with his loving parents, plus four brothers and two sisters. There was never a shortage of friends to spend time with or mischief to get into. As a teen he loved to hang out with friends, play sports and his first job was at Frosty’s, a hamburger and shake hangout frequented by the local high school kids. While attending Bay View High School he met Mary Ellen Smith. They lived just streets away from each other growing up but didn’t cross paths until high school. They graduated in 1959. Mary Ellen was the love of his life, and the couple married on September 16, 1961. Soon Jim settled in to work as a supervisor for Caterpillar Tractor Company, a career that would last decades. The couple would welcome three children into their family: Kevin James (who sadly passed away as a toddler), David James and Karin Lynn. Jim was a hard worker, often working second or third shift, but he was always there for sports events, special occasions and day-to-day activities. Evening meals were at 6pm at the kitchen table, and Sunday afternoon hot ham and rolls was a tradition. In 1985, Jim and Mary Ellen moved their family to Ocala, Florida. It was difficult being away from his extended family, but they settled in and made Ocala home. Jim always loved golf but took up fishing in Florida as well, eventually buying his own Bass Tracker boat. He named it “No Golf Today.” Jim continued to work in manufacturing as his kids grew up. He and Mary Ellen had a Tuesday tradition of going out to dinner and then seeing a movie, a tradition they rarely missed. One of Jim’s greatest joys was becoming a grandparent, and he embraced it completely as “Papa with the boat.” He and Mary Ellen (Mamoo with the boat) were blessed with one granddaughter, Jasmine, and three grandsons, Tyler, Ryan and Matthew. He changed diapers, fed babies and went for walks, but his favorite was reading to the grandkids. He attended baseball and flag football games (and was one of the loudest in the crowd), school awards shows, recitals and more until he was no longer able to. And even then, he required the play by play over the phone. As the grandkids grew up, he interjected life lessons into discussions, chores and events more often than not. He taught them how to turn wood on the lathe, perfect the textbook golf grip and stance, to value hard work and even how to make a delicious fish fry. Ask the grandkids what papa would say before a big game or event, and they would reply “go hard.” Jim loved golf, fishing, turning wood on his lathe, reading and learning about history, and sports. He was a forever fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. He also loved all kinds of music. His favorite, though, was Sly & the Family Stone. He was incredibly proud of both his own kids and grandkids and bragged about them often. His beloved wife Mary Ellen passed away in 2016 following a battle with cancer, and Jim was at her side every step of the way. After she passed, he still said “Honey, I’m home” when walking into the door. He said he couldn’t not say it, and at her memorial he wrote on a notecard “Goodnight my love, I’ll see you in the morning.” For those who believe, Jim and Mary Ellen are once again reunited and enjoying Tuesday movies and dinner. Jim is preceded in death by his loving parents (Joseph and Blanche), wife of 55 years Mary Ellen, son Kevin and brothers Bob, Ray and Jerry. He is survived by his children David (Lisa) and Karin (Andy), grandchildren, Tyler, Ryan, Matthew and Jasmine, brother John, sisters Lois and Kathy, sisters-in-law Carole and Kathie and brothers-in- law Dennis and Tom (his main fishing buddies.) He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity Jim routinely supported: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnels to Towers. Jim passed away on August 6, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at Roberts Funeral Home’s East Chapel at 2739 SE Maricamp Road in Ocala on September 12, from 11am-2:30pm. No dark colors! Dad’s favorites were yellow and green!

James F Fabry

November 11, 1940 - August 6, 2026