By Staff
James Calvin Covey, 64, of Niles, died peacefully in his home at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008.
A spring memorial service will be held at the Covey family farm in Niles, and cremation rites were accorded.
James was born on March 10, 1944, in Jamestown, N. Y. to Juanita Darlene and John Willard Covey.
He is survived by three brothers: John W. Covey of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, David (Dolores) Covey of Randolph, N. Y., and Bill Covey of Frewsburg, N. Y.; two sisters: Sharon (Reynold) Bragg of Frewsburg, N. Y. and Susanne (Gregory) Wassman of Jamestown, N. Y.; two half-brothers: Daniel (Julie) Minor of Frewsburg, N. Y. and Allen (Julie) Minor of Frewsburg, N.Y.; and two half-sisters: Lona (Dennis) Carlberg of Frewsburg, N. Y. and Janet (Frank) Black of Frewsburg, N. Y.
James married Nancy May Pillow on Jan. 10, 1970 in Union and is survived by his children: Nicolla Covey of Santa Fe, N. M., Collene (Seaghan) Covey-Brien of Chicago, Ill., Jenny (Christopher) Covey Rash of Bristol, Tenn., James Covey of Scotts, and Sarah Covey of Niles; grandson, Logan Smith of Bristol, Tenn.; mother-in-law, Mariam Pillow of Edwardsburg; and two brothers-in-law, Don Pillow of Union, and Ron Pillow of Union.
James was a veteran of the United States Navy (radar specialist), and was a master carpenter and furniture maker. He worked as an antique dealer for over 20 years, and most recently started up a rock excavation business with his wife Nancy as a service to area farmers.
The Covey 10-acre farm is dotted with over 10,000 tons of rocks that have been cleared from farms and fields in the region. Together, James and Nancy supplied rocks for projects ranging from landscaping and ponds to rock gardens and retaining walls. They even provided all the rocks for the Mishawaka Riverwalk from 2006-2008.
He was known to many as "the Rock Man," and to others as one of the hardest working men in the antique business.
To his family, James will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, husband, and brother. He will also be remembered as a mentor, designer, creative entrepreneur, and constant provider.
Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home Inc. of Saint Joseph (www.hospiceathomecares.org).
Arrangements have been made by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home of Edwardsburg.