Jim passed away suddenly on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 83. He lived a full life right up until his big heart just failed.

Jim spent nearly 30 years with Delta Air Lines. He would use his employee travel perks to fly wherever Delta could take him just to play a round of golf. After retiring, he carried that love of flying into the next chapter of his life -traveling the world with his sweetheart, Mary Ann Bullock.

Jim loved cruising on Oceania, watching action movies and westerns, going to the shooting range, dining out with friends, and playing poker at the VFW. He was a patriot and an active member of the VFW and the Viera Lions Club. Most of all, he loved getting hugs from all of us who loved him.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret; his siblings, Robert Couts, Michael Couts, and Marilee Smith; and his wife, Mary Phillips. Jim is survived by his daughter, Traci (Bellas); son-in-law, Chris; grandsons, Timothy Bellas (Cynthia) and Matthew Coveyou (Mary); granddaughter, Kaitlyn Carmichael (Gavin); and great-granddaughters, Madeline and Ella.Jim is also survived by his former wife of 45 years, Josephine Garrott (Couts). Together they raised their daughter, Traci.

Per Jim’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no funeral services. Private Celebrations of Life will be held in both Florida and North Carolina.

Memorial donations may be made to: The Viera Lions Foundation

c/o Cruise Holidays of Viera

7025 N Wickham Rd, Ste 101

Melbourne, FL 32940

Condolences and memories for the family may be made at www.davisseawinds.com