James ‘Jim’ Herrala
NEGAUNEE, MI – On Sunday, October 15, 2017, Jim Herrala, age 41, peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends, after a brief illness.
Jim was known for his kind, loving nature, his big bear hugs, always thinking of others and his sense of humor. To honor Jim’s big heart, please commit a random act of kindness in his memory.
After graduating from Negaunee High School, Jim attended Michigan State University and Northern Michigan University, and obtained his certification as a surgical technician. He worked in several hospitals throughout his career, most recently in Wausau, WI. Jim enjoyed using his skills to comfort and care for patients of all ages. While working as a surgical technician, Jim also saw many patients who gave the gift of life through organ donation, and his family was able to help him honor his wish to continue giving to others by giving the gift of life himself. To honor Jim’s life, please consider joining the donor registry; more information is available online.
Jim loved camping, fishing on Lake Superior in his dad’s boat, hiking the back trails, reading and learning about everything he could, playing his guitar and enjoying music of all kinds, and especially spending time with those he loved.
Jim is survived by his parents, Kathy and Wayne Herrala, of Negaunee; his sister, Kim (Pat) Bordeau of Midland; his grandmother, Rose Herrala of Palmer; his nephew, step-nephew, and step-niece, Jayce, Ethan, and Sara Bordeau of Midland; his uncle, Dave (Nancy) Gallion of Skandia; his aunts, Patti (Terry) Bergstrom of Innerarity Island, FL, Shirley (Tim) Blizek of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Kris (Terry) Sell of Marinette, WI; his cousins, Lori (Larry) Jandreau, Scott (Steph) Gallion, Kurt Ronn, Katie Herrala, and Max Bergstrom; and his cat, George.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Betty Gallion, and Matt and Clarice Herrala; and his uncles, Ken Herrala and Gary Gallion.
To honor Jim’s love for all creatures, the family is asking for donations to be made to UPAWS in lieu of flowers.
Friends may call at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday at 5:00 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Leon Jarvis, presiding.
A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room.
The Swanson-Lund- quist Funeral Home is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.