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CHASSELL, MI -James Ronald 'Jim' Luoma, 75, of Chassell, and former Negaunee native, entered eternal life Thursday, October 29, 2026 at his home in the care of his loving family.
Born on June 28, 1951, Jim was the son of the late Carl and Sybil (Peterson) Luoma. Jim attended Negaunee High School where he met his future wife, Sandra (Jarvi) Luoma, and was a graduate with the Class of 1969. He was an accomplished athlete who was involved in numerous school activities. Together, Jim and Sandra enjoyed 52 years of marriage, raising their six children, creating a family that remained the center of his life.
Following graduation, Jim attended Eastern Michigan University. In Jim's own words, he went to Eastern to "major in football." He was a part of the 1971 Huron team that played in the Pioneer Bowl against Louisiana Tech. During those years he aspired to become an oceanographer, admiring the works of Jacques Cousteau. After his football playing years were done, Jim attended Michigan Tech University earning degrees in Biology and Chemistry and later attended Northern Michigan University earning his Teacher's Certificate and two Masters' Degrees. His scientific curiosity eventually shifted to outer space, fascinated by the works of Carl Sagan.
Jim devoted his professional life to education as a teacher, coach, and principal within the Houghton-Portage Township School District. He was also an engaged member of Saint Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton. He had a remarkable ability to inspire people to invest in themselves and in one another. Former athletes and students still speak about the lessons they learned from him, whether on the football field, in the classroom, or through countless extracurricular activities. He emphasized effort, courage, discipline, enthusiasm, and unity. He was especially proud of the 1985 Houghton Gremlins football team. Coach Luoma believed they could beat any team in the state.
Generations of students remember learning to swim in his classes, gathering around bonfires before football games, and attending late evening "Star Parties" after school. They remember "Fun Days" to raise money for trips to Washington D.C, spirited "Copper Snow" debates, and numerous field trips he loved to plan, organize, and make happen. Jim believed that meaningful experiences required extra effort, and he never hesitated to put in that work. He often shared lessons with his blend of wit and humor, reminding students and athletes, "No pain, no gain. Wrong pain, no brain" and "perfect is good enough". It brought him great satisfaction to watch people overcome challenges. His middle school science projects celebrated the courage it took for students to stand before peers and present original work. He honored that effort by remembering the students' topic decades later.
In his later years, when reflecting on the achievements that made him most proud, he consistently recalled creating the Houghton Downtown Merchants and Professionals Little League Baseball team. Seeing that there were children who wanted to play but not enough teams, Jim created an opportunity. Forty years later, he still proudly wore that teams "M&P" baseball cap.
Jim had vast interests. He enjoyed fossil hunting, fishing, splitting firewood, loved the challenge of felling trees, and always sought out a pun. He considered himself a "Punny guy". He found peace along shorelines and riverbeds, searching for evidence of Earth's history. He also had his "multifarious microfarm" which drew visitors from the community. Jim marveled at the "dynamic" nature of the world. Above all, Jim loved spending time with his wife, had a special relationship with each one of his kids, and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He liked to point out that his M&P hat also stands for "Mummu and Papa". Jim's legacy lives on in the generations of people he encouraged to be curious, courageous, hardworking, and supportive of one another.
Surviving are his loving wife of 52 years, Sandra (Jarvi) Luoma; six children: Jeremiah (Jennifer), Daniel, Christina (Christopher), Charles (Ivy), Eli (Charity), and Robert (Shana); eight grandchildren: Emilia, Ethan, Reilly, Ronan, Leo, Oliver, Willa, and Lelana; siblings: Carl, David (Betty) Luoma, Catherine Hiles, Carolyn (Vince) Tuimala, and Phillip (Mary Gene) Luoma; along with many nieces, nephews, former students, players, colleagues, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Barbara.
Services are anticipated to be held in the Spring of 2027 and will be announced. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery. Koskey Funeral Home of Negaunee is assisting the family.
Mr. Luoma's memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com