James Lee Hovelson's Obituary
James (Jim) Lee Hovelson died on December 20, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born February 12, 1940, in Preston, Minnesota to Clair and Evelyn Hovelson. He married Karel Jean Kleemann, his best friend and the love of his life, on September 24, 1960.
He is survived by his wife, Karel; children, Jeffrey (Karen) Hovelson, Douglas (Cheryl) Hovelson, and Jeanne Gilmore; grandchildren, Shannon (Josh), Michael (Shelly), Patrick (Jessi), Rebekah, Brittany (Colton) and Dylan (Kylee); great grandchildren, Odin, Kurt, and Walker. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings Richard, Robert, and Linda.
James, fondly known as Jim, was a talented athlete who loved participating in, coaching, and watching sports his entire life. When his children were growing-up, he could always be found at the fields with them, teaching them how to play different sports and most often coaching them and others.
Jim worked for IBM for 30 years. He started as a young dad in Rochester, MN, and then as the career required, moved across the country; first to Boca Raton, FL, then to Manassas, VA, Tucson, AZ, and finally settling in North Carolina, where he would spend the remainder of his corporate years. He took every transfer as a new opportunity and as an adventure to learn about and explore different parts of the country.
After retiring from IBM, Jim started his own business, Landmark Trade and Pawn, which he owned and operated with his wife and son Doug for 22 years. Buying and selling gold, glassware, gems, and guns, was always his hobby and passion and became his beloved second career. He was a member of both the NC and National Pawnbrokers Associations. He was well-known around Cornelius as the “The Pawn Shop Man.”
His whole life was filled with travel and adventures. Whether camping, hunting or fishing with family, RV’ing across the country, visiting the mountains, or traveling internationally, there were so many places to see, things to do, memories to be made.
Aside from working, traveling, and being an involved dad, Jim was very active in the Lake Norman Power Squadron (member 35 years). He participated in installing and repairing markers on Lake Norman and confirming charts on the North Carolina and South Carolina coasts. During his volunteer decades with the Power Squadron, he enjoyed boating, making many good friends, had loads of fun, all while doing good for other boaters; the squadrons navigational efforts were recognized at the national level.
Jim positively impacted countless people of all ages and from all walks of life in his lifetime, and he will be truly missed.
Jim's Celebration of Life will be held at James Funeral Home Huntersville on Saturday, January 17, 2026, 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mayo Clinic for cancer research, the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC, or to Lake Forest Church Huntersville, NC, where Jim was a Ministry Partner. Memorials for Mayo Clinic can be made online at https://www.mayoclinic.org/development or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?