James F. 'Jim' Salli

WATTON, Mich. — James F. “Jim” Salli, 61, of Watton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L’Anse.

He was born in L’Anse on June 14, 1955, the son of the late Frank Emil and Bertha (Nurkala) Salli. Jim graduated from L’Anse High School in 1973. He married the former Janet Hupp at Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington, in 1989.

Jim had worked at Republic Mine, Empire Mine and the Tilden Mine as a laborer and driller until his retirement in 2014. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington, and the Covington Volunteer Fire Department. Jim enjoyed woodworking, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, being in the woods, going to hunting camp with his boys, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Janet, of Watton; children, Nikki (Joseph) O’Leary, of Sidnaw, Francis (Lacey) Salli, of Marquette, and Gary Salli, of Watton; grandchildren, Kelsey Syrjala, Kyle Syrjala, Franki Salli and Maev O’Leary; great-grandchildren, Blake and Carter Maki; brother, Robert (Dee) Moat, of Cave Junction, Ore.; sister, Darlene Mattson, of Covington; aunt, Shirley Lahti, of Negaunee; aunt and uncle, Martha and Swen Nurkala, of Negaunee; two boys he thought of as his own, Steven and Danny Brunet; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, including Jack Salli, who was like a brother to Jim. He is also survived by his best buddy, “Bentley,” who was always by his side.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec., 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington, with Pastor Mark Reinsch officiating. The family will greet friends at the church on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Friday from 10 a.m., until the time of the service.

Immediately following the funeral service, interment will take place in the Covington Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at church following the interment.

Jim’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at reidfuneralservicechapel.com. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the arrangements.