James Kermit Nordling Jr.

IRONWOOD, Mich. - James Kermit Nordling Jr., 82, passed away on May 7, 2018, at his home. He was born Sept. 20, 1935, in Ironwood, to James K. Nordling Sr. and Judith (Liljestrom) Nordling.

He attended Norrie School and graduated from Luther L. Wright in 1953 and went on to Gogebic Community College until 1955. He then spent 2 years working at Connor Forest Industries. After that, he completed his teaching degree at Superior State Teacher's College in 1959.

He taught in Grand Marais, Minn. and Ypsilanti Township, and spent 28 years teaching Ironwood Junior High and Senior High. He retired from teaching in June of 1990 and went on to spend 10 years at Indianhead Mountain making snow and operating lifts.

In 1999, he was married to his wife, Janet (Holmes) Nordling.

He was a licensed private pilot of a Piper Cherokee N6839W and enjoyed trips in the upper Midwest for business and pleasure. He also played in a number of baseball and softball leagues.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Nancy (Russ) Mattson; grandson, Kyle Mattson; stepdaughter Linda (Lewis) Williamson; and sister, Judy Bennett. He is further survived by Janet's children: Lance Zarimba, Heather (Joel) Bach, Lorrie Zarimba, and Trent (Jessie Vogel) Zarimba, and Janet's grandkids: Matthew Zarimba, Aidan Bach and Jacob Bach, as well as many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, who he was married to 1970-1989, Sydney (Saari) Nordling.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to express condolences, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, please make a donation in James' name to the HOPE Animal Shelter.