James R. White

ONTONAGON, Mich. — James R. White, 76, of Ontonagon, passed away on March 18, 2016, in Ontonagon with his family by his side.

He was born Aug. 22, 1939, to the late Keith and Marcella (Jenkins) White in Marquette.

After graduating from high school in Ontonagon, he attended Central Michigan College for a year and a half. He then transferred and graduated from Northern Michigan College with a degree in teaching. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Carol Aho. They were united in marriage on June 29, 1963, in Ontonagon.

He spent the first two years of his teaching career in Goodman, Wis., then the next two years at Ewen. Having worked the next 26 years in Ontonagon, he completed his 30-year teaching career, retiring in 1992. He taught many different classes, was a drivers education instructor, and a coach of football, basketball and track. He was a member of the O.T.E.A. P.N. Team for more than 20 years.

He was also employed at many other jobs, such as working at Huss Ontonagon Mill, Ontonagon Village Police, Ontonagon Sheriff’s Department, Gunlack Construction and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing. His favorite hobby was going to the casino and playing the Lotto daily with his “lucky numbers” and “winning” three scratch-off tickets. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

Jim is survived by sons, James A. (Gina), of North Dakota, David (Karen), of Greenland; daughter, Kimberly (Ben Jousma), of Ontonagon; and grandchildren, Alyssa White, Andrew White and Benjamin Jousma II. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Marcella; wife, Carol (Aho) White; twin brother, Richard; brother, Jon; sister, Judy Schneck, and brother, Valorie.

A service and burial will take place in the summer at Riverside Cemetery in Ontonagon.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Aspirus at Home for their care over the past two weeks. To Dr. Beckman, Hilda Klefman and Gary Koistinen, a huge thank you for your care and compassion of our dad in his final hours.

In lieu of flowers and monetary gifts, please make a donation to the Ontonagon County Cancer Society in Jim’s name.