James J. Vizanko

ASHLAND, Wis. - James J. Vizanko, 94, of Ironwood Township, Mich., died on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Ashland. He was born June 15, 1921, in Bessemer, Mich., the son of the late Steve and Veronica (Bailey) Vizanko.

He attended Bessemer Schools, graduating with the class of 1939. He worked CCC Camps after high school and then joined the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. Jim served in the European Theatre as a B-17 pilot and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, he returned home and was employed at Johnson's Music Store in Ironwood, Mich., as a large appliance repairman for 35 years. Following his retirement he worked for Giovanoni's in Hurley. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood.

On Oct. 1, 1943, he was united in marriage to Cecelia "Toby" Shurmack in Valdosta, Ga. She preceded him on death on July 27, 2012.

James is survived by one son, Mark (Deb Lawver) Vizanko, of Butternut; four daughters, Mina (Brian) Aijala, of Ironwood, Betsy (Rick) Busakowski, of Arbor Vitae, Susan (Bill Schroeder) Vizanko, of Muskegon, Mich., and Jane (David) Johnson, of San Diego; daughter-in-law, Barabra Vizanko, of St. Augustine, Fla .; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by two sons, Christopher in 2011 and Stephen in infancy; one brother, John; and one sister, Marie Mascotti.

He was a physically active, family man. James enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, canoeing and fishing. In his later years he loved to spend time at his property on the Gile Flowage where he enjoyed cutting wood.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at the Ketola-Burla Funeral Home in Ironwood with Father Robb Jurkovich officiating. Visitation will be held on one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard. Cremation will follow at the Range Crematory in Hurley. Spring inurnment will be in Sunset Acres in Ironwood Township.

Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the Iron Nugget in Hurley.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family with arrangements.

To view this obituary on line or send on line condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com.