Jim Vetter, 86

Our Dad.

Our best friend, mentor, rock, guiding light, personal advisor, and above all else – our hero.

“Never ask someone to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself.”

“Be careful not to pat yourself on the back too soon.”

“Plan the work – Work the plan.”

“Don’t sweat the small stuff.” The many codes he lived by.

A charming man, with a wonderful sense of humor, style, and always a “glass half-full” optimism.

We are so blessed to have had him as our Father. Jim was a son, dad, grandfather, husband, and businessman. Our world will never be as bright without him in it.

The “car guy”, with gasoline in his veins. His vast knowledge of Automobile history was beyond remarkable.

Jim was born on January 1st, 1935, to Sylvester & Maureen Vetter. He passed away on January 9th, 2021.  He had two younger siblings: Vicki McClure, and Dean Vetter. Growing up, Jim truly lived in two different worlds. The city life with his family in Indianapolis, where his father was a General Motors Automotive Engineer. During the summer, he enjoyed the country life in Arena, Wisconsin, spending time with his grandfather, Smokey Allen. Smokey was Jim’s mentor in all facets of the word, having owned a general store, selling Moline tractors, Chevrolet trucks, running a creamery, hauled live chickens for local farmers (for 2 cents a pound!), and a part-time Deputy Sheriff. It was truly Americana in every sense.

Jim used to ask Smokey, “Grandpa, why do you have so many jobs,” to which Smokey simply replied, “Pocket change, boy.” A man’s got to have pocket change.

Jim attended Indiana University, where after college he worked in a General Motors Automotive factory, a General Motors mailroom, where he soon moved up to the Chevrolet warranty division, and a Divisional Chevrolet service representative. April 1st, 1971 was when Jim had bought his own Chevrolet store in Three Rivers. His dream, finally realized, thanks in part to Smokey’s influence growing up.

He eventually retired full-time at the age of 80, as a resident of Punta Gorda, Florida. Retirement for Jim, however, meant no slowing down in life, as he became an active volunteer for Muscle Car City, joining a pickleball league and turning into a fierce competitor playing 21 games a week. He spent time playing in his league up until his time ending here on Earth. He loved college basketball, the Green Bay Packers, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football. Jim loved any and all forms of automobile racing.

His wife, Roxie A. Vetter, daughters Terri Vetter (husband John) and Kimberly French (husband Paul), grandchildren Stacy (fiancé Ian), Chad (fiancé Ellie), and Chase, are left to carry on without this wonderful and magnificent man.

There will be an open house to honor Jim’s life after the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Details will be posted at that time.