James ‘Jim’ Linna

He was born in Ishpeming to Martha Laitinen and Arthur Linna on New Year’s Day 1955. He met his late wife, Sonni, on a blind date in Marquette in 1986 and were married May 6, 1989. They later had two children.

He was a proud Hematite who loved the Upper Peninsula and the outdoors. He enjoyed being outside more than anything; kayaking, biking, collecting rocks, gardening, bird watching, and driving around to camp with his buddies when he was younger. Most of all, he loved his family.

Jim worked many jobs out of high school including a laborer out on the West Coast and up until the kids were born he worked in the mines around Ishpeming. He then became a stay-at-home dad to Sara and Jimmy while Sonni worked at the prison. He would take them on adventures during the day to teach them about the outdoors.

He was a very quiet and secluded introvert, until you opened that vault (then you couldn’t get him to stop talking). He could talk about random topics from his favorite music/vinyl records to the current news to a recent space discovery he saw in the paper or on the news.

He loved his kids very much and would do anything for them, he often would describe himself as a protector. He used to write little notes and stick them in your lunch or under your pillow of things he wanted you to know and to have growing up. He was a great dad and will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his two kids; Sara, 31, (Nate) Winkler and James, 29, among brothers and sisters and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his wife; Sonni and both parents; Martha and Arthur Linna, and brother; Danny.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at the Park Cemetery on Friday, July 7th, at 12:00 noon. A family celebration of life will follow at Presque Isle.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family per Jim’s wishes.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.