James Vardon Chellis

James Vardon Chellis - Horton Bay, MI - passed away peacefully at Grandvue Nursing facility on November 21, 2018 and went on to meet his Lord and Savior.  He is survived by his two sons- Mark and wife Ruthanna Capelin Chellis of Miller Place, New York and Matthew Chellis of Boulder, Colorado, and a granddaughter, Marissa Chellis, also of Miller Place, New York. Vardon was predeceased by his wife, Arlene, on September 11, 2018.

He was born in 1932 to Katherine and Walter Chellis of Ellsworth, MI.  He was the youngest of three siblings, “Bud” Walter Chellis and Jean Chellis Ranney.  He attended High School in Ellsworth MI.  He and his wife Arlene were married in Horton Bay in 1955 and recently celebrated their sixty third wedding anniversary this past June.

He was a devoted husband, father and friend to all who knew him. Vardon was an active member of the Horton Bay United Methodist Church and retired from Michigan Bell Telephone Company, and after retirement managed the John Deere Work & Play store in Petoskey, MI. 

Vardon was a decorated military veteran of the Korean War receiving 16 service awards.

Vardon was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and was an avid hunter.  He was a member of the Canada Creek Ranch in Onaway, MI, where he often celebrated his birthday and the opening of deer season with great fanfare, with his best friend and brother-in-law Maurice Crall of Midland, MI.  Vardon enjoyed candy and sweets, but Ice Cream was mandatory on a daily basis. 

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 20th at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Boyne City.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations may be made to the Greater Michigan Alzheimer’s Association, in his name. ( https://www.alz.org/gmc )

Family and friends wishing to share a thought or memory of Vardon are encouraged to do so online at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com.

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