James 'Jim' William Korpela

ALLEN PARK, Mich. - James 'Jim' William Korpela, 78, of Taylor, Mich., passed away with daughters and grandkids by his side on Jan. 8, 2025, at Optalis Health and Rehabilitation Center in Allen Park, Mich. Jim was born on May 23, 1946, in Ironwood, the son of the late Lyyli Marie Korpela (Niemi) and the late John Waino Korpela.

Growing up, Jim enjoyed hunting out at our family cabin, fishing on Lake Superior and gardening. He attended Newport Elementary School, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School. While attending Michigan Technical College in Houghton, Jim was drafted into the military. Jim chose the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was stationed in San Diego, California, and fought in the Vietnam War in Da Nang and Chu Lai with the USMC Air Wing.

After being discharged from the military, Jim worked during the summer at various Wisconsin supper clubs. He later moved to Detroit, where he met Kathleen Korpela. Jim and Kathleen were married on Aug. 25, 1973.

Jim is preceded in death by his brother, John Korpela; sisters, Anna Mae Castle and Bonnie Korpela; brother, Robert Korpela; and grandson, Aiyden Cecil.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy C. Korpela; brother, Zachary L. Korpela; and wife, Kathleen Korpela. He is further survived by nephew, Steve Korpela (Paula); grandnephew, Steven (Sarah) Korpela; many cousins; daughters, Mary Korpela of Taylor, Calla (David) Korpela of Ironwood, and Samantha (Josh) Owens of Lincoln Park; grandchildren, Ronald (Lynn) Cecil, Alexis Miller of Grand Rapids, Rachel (Kaleb) Cronkright of North Carolina, Adrianna Napier of Temperance, Jane Miller of Flat Rock, Phoebe Napier in Georgia, Marilyn Miller of Flat Rock, and Rochelle Miller of Grand Rapids; and great-grandchildren, Marcus Robert (4) and Gabriella Napier (2).

There will be a celebration of Jim's life in the spring in Ironwood.