James Michael Fermil of Canton, GA passed away on January 21, 2024 surrounded in the warm embrace of his family.

Michael was born in San Diego, California on June 12, 1955. He moved to New York in 1966. In 1972, Michael joined the United States Navy where he proudly served aboard the USS Biddle and the USS Pyro until he was Honorably Discharged in September of 1973. He decided to return to New York after serving in the United States Navy. This is where he first met the love of his life, soulmate, and future wife, Linda Jane Ferguson. It wasn't too long after he began "California dreaming", so he moved back West in 1980.

Michael pursued his dreams and began a career in Hollywood, California where he passionately worked with several Entertainment companies over the next decade.

In 1992, he decided to pack up with his wife, Linda, and three daughters, Crystal, Brooke, and Paige and head for the East coast. They landed in Atlanta, Georgia where he continued his career in Entertainment over the next two decades, until he retired. Retirement granted Michael the opportunity for him to pursue and embrace his true passion. Live Music. Everyone who knew Michael, knew him with his guitar in hand. If you ever asked how many guitars he had, he would reply, "not enough". 14 guitars is the answer. He played music all over Georgia and built many lifelong friends with just the strum of his guitar, harmonica and voice. He brought joy into so many lives just by simply doing what he loved.

Michael's love for music and playing the guitar was evident to anyone who knew him. He would spend his free time playing solo or with his band, "Midlife Crisis". More than music, Michael had an even bigger passion for his family. He jumped at any opportunity to spend time with each and every one. Fishing, singing, swimming, cooking & sports were just a few things he cherished doing with his family. "Do it again, Papa!" was music to his ears as he would throw each grandchild into the air time and time again, year after year. Michael was a great, BIG man with a great, BIG heart and he will be eternally missed by all.

Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 2pm in the Darby Funeral Home Chapel with a visitation to be held on Sunday from 12:30pm until the time of the service. Inurnment service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 3pm.

The service will be live-streamed at:
https://vimeo.com/event/4064431

Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fermil Family.