TRAVERSE CITY — A well-known Traverse City businessman died this week.
James Paul "J. Paul" Ameel, 86, died on Sunday. He was a U.S. Marine, a devout Christian, a local beer distributor, a philanthropist and a dedicated community volunteer.
Ameel moved to Traverse City in 1955 and purchased a beverage wholesale company that became Ameel Distributing Company. It turned into a family business, and Ameel went on to serve on the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association's board of directors.
Ameel loved to play tennis and ski, and spent a good deal of time doing both, said his wife of 61 years, Lorna Ameel.
"He played tennis three or four days a week," she said. "It was a lot of fun."
He lost his eyesight about two years ago and was unable to participate in his cherished sports after that, Lorna Ameel said.
Ameel's influence as a founding member of the St. Francis Athletic Association led to the development of skiing and tennis programs at the Catholic school. He also volunteered at local ski hills.
The Grand Traverse Area Ski Club inducted him into their hall of fame two years ago.
Jim Rickard had a five-day-a-week habit of eating lunch with Ameel at the Traverse City Elks Lodge. He made a good friend and was a great story-teller, Rickard said.
"He was a great guy and was a lot of fun to be around," Rickard said. "He was kind. He was gentle. He was truthful. He was just good company."
Ameel belonged to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City, where he served as a eucharistic minister.
He is survived by his wife, 10 children, 22 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will take place today at 10 a.m. at his church at 720 Second St. in Traverse City.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund, the YMCA Building Fund or Munson Hospice House.
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Ameel
Traverse City businessman dead at 86
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