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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
James W. “Jim” Junttonen, 87, a resident of Houghton, passed away on Monday, July 4th, 2022, at Portage Pointe in Hancock where he had been a patient for the past two and a half years.
Jim was born on December 13, 1934, in Pelkie, the son of the late John and Signe (Kahkonen) Junttonen. He was raised in Houghton and was a graduate of Houghton High School with the class of 1952. Upon graduation, he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and proudly served during the Korean War era. Following his honorable discharge, Jim was united in marriage to Joan Gaynor in September of 1960. She preceded him in death in January of 1976. He was then united in marriage to Barbara Laitinen on July 28, 1979. Barb preceded Jim in death on April 29, 2006.
Jim was employed in various pursuits before and after owning and operating Pronto Pizza in Houghton from the late 70’s until the early 80’s. He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the Marine Corps League and the South Range Eagles. He enjoyed volunteering for Portage Hospital for many years.
Besides his parents and two wives, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Lil, Lynn, Wes, Jack, Kathy and a son-in-law Scott Krennrich.
Jim is survived by his children: Jack (Joanne) Junttonen
Janelle Junttonen Krennrich
Vikki (Joe) Frank
Gordon (Jill) Wiitanen
Jeff (Reneah) Wiitanen
His grandchildren: Sarah, Emily, Amy, Dan, Andy, Courtney, Lauren, Steven, Melissa, Kristin, Tyler, Jaylynne, Elizabeth, Abby and Brody.
Great-grandchildren: Brantley and Mylo
Surviving Siblings are Ben Junttonen, Evy Hartzog & Diane Ewart
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral Services for Jim will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock with Rev. Brahm Semmler-Smith to officiate. Burial will be in the Veterans Section of the Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.
Friends may call on Friday, July 8, 2022, from 5-8 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock and again on Saturday from 10 until the time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Portage Hospice, 901 W. Sharon Ave.#1, Houghton, MI 49931, in memory of Jim Junttonen.
To view the obituary or to send condolences online, please visit, www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
