James Edwin Armstrong

Jim was born on November 2, 1941 into a family of classical musicians, Donald and Marjorie (Sams) Armstrong in Grand Rapids Michigan. While attending South High School, Jim earned the Order of the Arrow Award and Status of Eagle Scout. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University.

Jim met his bride Mary (Sloan) while teaching in Saginaw Township. Within a year of meeting, the two were married on December 28, 1966. With their love of the wilderness and fresh water lakes, they settled into their current home on the shores of Gitchee Gumee. Jim taught Industrial Education at NMU and later owned his own contracting business. Within a few short years, Jim and Mary started their family and went on to raise three beautiful, independent children. In their later years, with an immense love for their family, they were integral parts of daily childcare for each and every grandchild.

Every day was an adventure for Jim, whether it was fishing or hunting with his sons, or just going to the property to bait deer and bear. He was a proud supporter of each of his grandchildren, in music, sports, theatre, and school. Best days and evenings were well spent on the beach with his bride, friends, and family, recounting the stories of a life well lived. No moment was wasted in his life.

Jim reveled in a simple life, rich in the love and relationships he had with his family and friends. We will remember his love of MSHS football, the stock market, his Yooper pride, his flannel shirts, and the joy he found in having a cold beer on the porch, welcoming anyone who had a good story or wanted to hear one. Jim was a man among men. Rare. He was a jack of all trades, master of some. He was second to none. He could build a sturdy house, sing a perfect harmony, and bake a pumpkin pie from the jack-o-lantern off the porch. He might do all three in the same day if the spirit moved him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Mary (Sloan) Armstrong, his sons, Jamie (Ann) Armstrong, Andy (JoAnna Ellingsen) Armstrong, his daughter Molly (Jeff) Mikesch and his grandchildren, Megan (Ryan McClaren), Jessica, and Sophie Armstrong, Austin Ridl, Sunnie Sloan, Mason, and Parker Mikesch, as well as his longtime friend, Barry Johnson. Other cherished survivors are his canine friend Lizzie and myriad loved cats.

The family would like to thank U.P. Home Health & Hospice for their unwavering care and support during Jim’s illness. A special thank you to our care providers, Dorothy, Kathy, Patience, Marissa, Dani, Kathy, Sara, Theresa, and Angie with her magical massages.

Those missing Jim can help him smile from above with a donation to UPAWS, 84 Snowfield Road, Negaunee, MI 49866, as he never let a hound dog go hungry. He would also appreciate any donation to the Superior Library for the Blind, 1615 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, a very small UP organization that was able to give his ever-so-active brain something to do when his eyes couldn’t keep up.

We may not see Grampa on the porch or on the beach in the days to come, but we can all rest assured knowing that in every great sunset, and in every story well told, and in every song well sung, it is Jim Armstrong “calling to check in on our health and wealth”.

Friends may call at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Harvey on Thursday, October 18, beginning at 12:00 pm until the time of service at 1:00 pm. The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www. swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com