James Anthony Gervae

Born July 14, 1936, in Negaunee, the son of Anthony and Eva (Lequia) Gervae, Jim was raised in Negaunee (one of the Peck Street boys) and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1955. Jim played basketball for the Negaunee “Miners” during the championship era of the 1950s and was a talented pitcher of the Negaunee High School baseball team. His work career began with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company International, where he was employed for over 39 years, retiring in 1998 as a supervisor in maintenance operations. Jim loved to design, build and repair. He also enjoyed “tinkering in his garage” however, Jim’s true passion was the great outdoors. Born and raised in “God’s Country” (which he often referred to his beloved U.P.), Jim was a true disciple of the natural world. Although having hunted and fished Alaska, Colorado and South Dakota he loved his home forests, rivers and lakes best. Walking a primitive northern forest searching for the elusive whitetail, fishing a sparkling stream for the nimble “rainbow” or challenging the mighty “laker” on Superior, replenished his soul. He loved nature and studied the beloved creatures which inhabited it. His favorite animal, the silent creature of the forest, was the white-tailed deer. He loved its ability to be quiet and camouflage into its surroundings, its best defense against a predator. He was intrigued by its ability to stop and listen, and when necessary run with swiftness and grace. He recognized that the male deer was a symbol of strength without the attachments of danger and fear. Strong and confident without being arrogant or overt. The deer, an animal that does not hibernate, is always present in and around the forest. He knew that many analogies and life lessons could be learned from nature and its creatures. He passed the values and life lessons learned and observed onto his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart. He enjoyed mentoring them and they made his life complete. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Geraldine (Juchemich) Gervae, whom he married in 1957; his children, Timothy Gervae of Palmer, Todd Gervae of Negaunee, and Toni Gervae of Minneapolis; eight grandchildren, Jeri Ann (Jason) Wendt, Elizabeth (Bryant) Behn, James Barabe, Jr., Adam Barabe, T.J. Gervae, Troy Gervae, Josh (April) Larson, and Matthew (his Mutty) Jandron; eight great-grandchildren, Alvina, Thomas, Maya, Gunner, Abram, Bray, Brookelyn and Devyn; numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins; a special niece and nephew in-law, Susie and Sonny Guizzetti; special neighbors, Terry and Bonnie Popour; and his beloved canine companion, Kobe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughters, Tracie Lee and Terrie Ann; two brothers, Norman and Walter Gervae; and two sisters, Avila Moquin and June Forsberg and a special uncle, Frank Gerovac. Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Down Syndrome Association. Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein