James K. Provo
ESCANABA — James K. Provo, 70, of 1612 Stephenson Ave., Escanaba, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019, at home surrounded by family, following a two-year courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 24, 1948, in Escanaba, the son of Ovid and Ethel (Hill) Provo. James was raised in Escanaba and was a 1967 graduate of Escanaba High School. James married the former Linda Bydalek on June 3, 1967, and she preceded him in death on April 7, 1988. Together, the couple shared 20 years of marriage and raised three children. James later married the former JoAnn Hendrickson DeMars on June 29, 1996, and together shared nearly 23 years of marriage. He began his working career with the American Fence Company, then with Eaton Corporation, and later Harnischfeger Corporation. James was employed for Mead Paper Company for 39 years as a millwright carpenter until his retirement in 2008. Following retirement, he and JoAnn enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Stella Lake and wintering in Parker and Hillcrest Bay in Arizona. James found joy in spending time outdoors hunting and also playing golf. He took great pride in maintaining the road around Stella Lake for many years. James was loved by all who knew him and could put a smile on anyone’s face.
James K. Provo is survived by his wife, JoAnn Provo of Escanaba; two sons, Charles (Raquel) Provo of Escanaba, and Douglas (Theresa) Provo of Minneapolis, Minn.; two daughters, Karen (Andy) Guth of New Franken, Wis., and Melissa Sheedlo of De Pere, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Joe Nelson, Nick Nelson, Ashley Provo, Jake Guth, Alex Guth, Nathan Fuson, and Katie Fuson; four great-grandchildren, Bella Nelson, Hailey Schultz, Bailee Schultz and Nick Schultz; one sister, Betty Carrino of Cleveland, Ohio; two brothers, Gary Provo of Escanaba, and Donald “Butch” (Sue) Provo of Louisiana; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and first wife, James was preceded in death by four brothers, Bob, Bud, Ed, and Ovid Jr.; two sisters, Marlene, and June; and mothers and fathers-in-law, Ray and Betty Bydalek, and Lloyd and Laverne Hendrickson.
Visitation will be held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of James will follow at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Mike LeBeau officiating. A luncheon will follow at the conclusion of the services at Christ the King Lutheran Church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. In honor of James, the Provo family asks everyone to please wear flannel shirts and blue jeans. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Provo family and online condolences can be sent at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.