James Thomas Kangas Jr.

James Thomas Kangas Jr., better known as Jimmy, was born on Jan. 30, 1974. He was the first-born child of Jim and Marie Kangas.

Jimmy attended Newport Grade School and Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, graduating with the class of 1992. Upon graduation, he was awarded a Presidential Four-year ROTC Scholarship. He went on to attend St. Norbert College in DePere, Wis., graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1996.

Jim was a decorated U.S. Army officer and veteran. During his 12-year Army stint, Jim rose to the rank of captain. He was deployed to multiple locations during the Iraqi War. James Thomas Kangas Jr., was honorably discharged in 2006. He was presented with the Army Warrior Citizen Award

Jim enjoyed a diversified career. From selling furniture, to selling vacuum cleaners, he then spent the next seven years with Eutectic Corp as their pulp and paper marketing manager. Jim then went on to work in the welding and gas field. A natural leader and motivator, Jim's career skyrocketed in that area. On Oct. 11, 2010, Jim received Airgas' SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR. His career path led him to Praxair. Jim was the Technical Solutions Manager for North America and later went on to cover the states of Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. He was co-owner of H K Solutions Inc. and IGI: Industrial Gas Infrastructure. Jim was a certified welding instructor and inspector through the American Welding Society.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Isabella "Bella;" and a son, Gage. In addition, Jim is survived by his parents, Jim and Marie Kangas of Little Girl's Point; a sister, Bonny Vosu and her sons, Silas and Espen of Portland, Ore .; and a brother, Thom (Renee') Kangas of Redlands, Calif. Also included are aunts and uncles, Leroy and Shirley Kangas, Ruthie and Rudy Mlasko, Linda Elaine Spets, Waiko Spets, Art and Sue Spets, Cindy and Steve Miller, and Ron and Nancy Spets; and Jim's best buddy, Neal Minkin; a host of other relatives; and a plethora of friends from all over the United States.

Jim is preceeded in death by his Grammas, Ruthie and Marian; his Papas, Arvo, Waiko and Tommy; a niece, Tuula Vosu; an aunt, Ida in infancy; an uncle, Raymond in childhood; numerous relatives; and a special childhood friend, Judd Slining.

Jim loved sports! He loved swimming, camping, water skiing, hunting and fishing. He played Little League and Babe Ruth. While in school, he played tennis, football and hockey. Jim played football for one year at St. Norbert College.

His passion was "the great outdoors!" You could always find him hiking through the woods, camping, fishing and hunting. In addition, Jim had an affinity for whitewater kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Jim was an amazing visionary! He was always there whenever anyone needed him. His charge was to lend a helping hand to all fellow veterans. He was a son, father, brother, mentor, teacher and friend. Many called him "brother." When he worked on any project, he said that I'm in this from "the cradle to the grave." Any one in his "inner circle" heard of Jim's "DOWN WITH THE CLOWN SPECIAL!"

FROM: DAD, MOM, BON + THOM:

"WE'LL SEE YOU AGAIN JIM!"

JIM'S ANSWER:

"FOR SURE! FOR SURE!"

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com.