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As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
James Edward Hulkonen, age 80 of L’Anse, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
James was born on July 30, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, son of Toivo and Esther (Pirhohen) Hulkonen. He served in the U.S. Navy prior to moving to the Upper Peninsula to work on the Hulkonen Farm. On August 30, 1969 he married Mary Snyder of Scotts, Michigan. After Mary passed in June of 2014, he met Mary Jenkins and they married in 2023.
James worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources from 1967-1991 before retiring at the ripe old age of 41. In 1993, he worked to gain his high school diploma so he could graduate with his son.
James was a member of the United Lutheran Church in L’Anse, American Legion Post 144, Ottawa Sportsman Club and former trustee of the L’Anse Village Council.
James will be best remembered for the love he carried for his grandchildren, his selfless heart and his unwavering desire to converse and debate with anyone who was willing. He was a steward of the community, an avid gun collector and a teller of tales; many tall and some true.
Surviving are his wife Mary of L’Anse, son Kyle (Christine) Hulkonen of Negaunee, Michigan; daughter Erin Inman of Grand Rapids, Michigan; brother Thomas (Di) Hulkkonen of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren Jacob, Caleb, Colton, Ethan and great-grandchild Keelie.
Preceding him in death are his parents Toivo and Esther, first wife Mary, brothers Harold and Walter Hulkkonen and sister Esther Champnella.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 26th from 12-1:00pm at Jacobson Funeral Home. His funeral service will be at 1:00pm with Rev. John Henry officiating. Burial will follow in the Nisula Cemetery with Baraga County Veterans conducting the military honors. Friends may sign Jim’s guestbook or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
