Brandon "Fischer" Christopher Jex

Brandon "Fischer" Christopher Jex, 42, passed away in Battle Creek, Michigan on April 12th, 2025. Born on July 23, 1982 in Battle Creek to William "Doug" Jex and Jody Ashdon, he came to be known by many as Fischer — a name that reflected his deep connection to the woods, water, and wild things. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 2000, but would consider the following years to be when his true education began — among the woods and wilds nationwide, most especially the northwoods near East Jordan, Michigan.

A self-described wild foods enthusiast, hunter, trapper, fisherman, and forager, Fischer was talented at most everything he set his mind to (except trivia wagering, were you to ask his brother). Contrary to much environmentalist discourse, he was adamant that people belonged among nature, not apart from it. Walking with him in the 'real world' — as he called nature — never covered much distance; there was too much to see, too much to experience, and, most of all, too much to teach.

Fischer was an incredibly passionate environmental educator, caretaker, and advocate who created community around him wherever he went. This was especially evident in the jobs he held throughout his life, including the Kalamazoo Nature Center, the Gull Lake Quality Organization, Friends of the Jordan River, and Wagbo Farm & Education Center. He also was involved with a variety of community organizations: the Augusta McKay Library, Sandhill Crane & Art Festival, “CraneFest,” held by the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek and Michigan Audubon, Circle Pines Center, Kingman Museum, and Kellogg Bird Sanctuary were among the places enriched by his presence.

Brandon's predilection for the natural world was present from a young age. Seven-year-old Brandon, experiencing disappointment that the raccoon skin cap he received as a gift was partially synthetic, suggested to his mother that next time they saw a roadkill raccoon, they should pick it up and craft one themselves.

A gifted writer, storyteller, and photographer, Fischer's work — which spans foraging, folklore, ecology, and includes recipes — can be found on his blog Feasts & Fields, Instagram @feasts.and.fields, and back issues of Edible Grande Traverse magazine, where his photos often graced the covers alongside his essays.

Further hobbies of his included bar trivia, commandeering any nearby television when Jeopardy! came on, and UNO! & Sorry! with his Gram, even though she rarely let him win. An avid fan of Twin Peaks, Northern Exposure and the Lord of the Rings books & movies, he especially loved stories that echoed his love of the wild. He always captivated whomever he was speaking to, whether through a riveting tale or his singular sense of humor. Everyone in his orbit will carry their own cherished memories of Fischer — too many to name.

Brandon is survived by his loving family: mother Jody Hart, father Doug Jex, stepfather Brian Hart (Stephanie), sister Ashleigh Jex (Caleb), brother Patrick Hart, his grandmother Joyce “Grandma Sunshine” Ashdon, grandfather Richard Ashdon, aunt Julie Pease (Jim), cousin Michael, and an incredibly diverse, rich group of friends. He will be missed beyond description and leaves behind an unfillable hole in all who knew him. A memorial gathering to celebrate Fischer will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations Fischer was a part of: Little Traverse Conservancy (www.landtrust.org), Kalamazoo Nature Center (www.naturecenter.org), and the Augusta McKay Library (www.mckaylibrary.org). Above all, he would have wanted us to keep teaching, learning, and walking slowly among the trees.