James "J.J." Covell III

James “JJ” Covell III, 63, of Penn Yan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 18, 2026.

Born in Geneva, he was the son of Ruth (Rumsey) Covell and the late James J. Covell Jr.

JJ dedicated much of his life to the family business, owning and operating Jim Covell and Son Tree Service for over 20 years. The business, founded by his father, was where JJ began working at the age of 18 and where he built a reputation for hard work, dedication, and pride in serving his community.

A man deeply involved in the community he loved, JJ was a member of the Yates County Fairboard Association for 33 years and a lifetime member of the Seneca Lake Duck Hunters Club. He was also a member of the Penn Yan Moose Lodge and Dresden United Methodist Church. Known for his sense of humor and love of friendship, JJ was also the proud founder and president of the Barn Beers Association.

JJ had a passion for the outdoors and spending time with those he loved most. He enjoyed deer hunting, camping with family and close friends, and watching NASCAR races. In his younger years, he proudly drove his #62 race car for many seasons. He also cherished time spent at his seasonal home in Bradenton, where he loved watching sunsets over the bay alongside his wife and family.

He was predeceased by his father, James J. Covell Jr.; his sister and brother-in-law, Kimberly and Frederick Fultz; his niece, Amanda Fultz; and his parents-in-law, Delores and William Sutherland.

JJ is survived by his loving wife, Lynne (Sutherland) Covell; his mother, Ruth (Rumsey) Covell; his daughters, Ashley (Shaun) Drennen, Samantha (Gordon) Barron, and Jessica Covell (Benjamin Emerson); and his cherished grandchildren, Alexander, Arianna, Kinsley, Maisie, Shaun, and Kaydence. He is also survived by his brother, Brian (Amy) Iddings; sisters-in-law Karen (John) Budd, Wendy (Lance) McFetridge, Pam (Jeff) Housel, and Susan (Jill) Pannozzo; Nieces and nephews, Amber (Brandon) Hampton, Bryan(Alison) Housel, Jennifer(Michael) Ballard, Kelli (Austin) Ashmead, Matthew (Murillo) McFetridge, Kyle (Abbey) Iddings, as well as many great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless close friends who will miss him dearly.

Family will receive friends at Weldon Funeral Home 102 E Main St Penn Yan on Thursday (May 28th) from 4-7PM; and Friday (May 29th) 10-11AM. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, May 29th, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a celebration of JJ’s life at the Penn Yan Moose Lodge.

Memorial contributions in JJ’s memory may be made to the Yates County Fair Association, 2370 Old Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527, or Keuka Comfort Care Home, PO Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527.