As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
James R. Saari, 48, a resident of Greenland and former Winona resident, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2026, at his home in Greenland.
He was born on January 12, 1978, in Ontonagon, MI, a son of David and Colleen (O’Connell) Saari. Jim was raised in Winona and attended the Winona and Jeffers Schools before receiving his GED.
Following school, Jim began a career working in the woods, first with S&R Wood Products and then with J&A Penegor Inc. in Twin Lakes for over 20 years. For the past three years, he has been employed with Pettibone Corporation in Baraga.
Jim enjoyed being outdoors, especially deer hunting and fishing; he was an avid Detroit Lions fan and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Preceding him in death were his uncles Robert Saari, Ken Saari, Ron Saari, Garry Short and Tom O’Connell; his cousins Garry Lee Short, Tanya O’Connell and Jeff Saari and his best friend John Short.
Surviving are:
His son: Logan Saari of Green Bay
His parents: David and Colleen Saari of Winona
His brothers: David Lee Saari of Winona
Mike Saari of L’Anse
Jason Saari of Mankato, MN
A special Uncle and Aunt: Rick and Cheryl Saari of Greenland
Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins
A graveside service for James will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in the Woodland Cemetery of Winona, with Rev. William Jacobson to officiate.
To view James obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.






Comments