James Laakso
ISHPEMING, MI – James R. “Lox” Laakso, Sr., age 72, of 130 Seilo Ave., Ishpeming, passed away Saturday, October 8th, 2022, at UP Health System – Marquette.
Jim was born in Ishpeming on May 26th, 1950, a son of the late Marian E. (Korpi) and Robert C. Laakso. He grew up in Greenwood Location and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1968. He served in the U.S. Navy as a RM3 in the Vietnam War and received the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star. Jim worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 35+ years, mainly as a welder at the Empire Mine and spent some time at the Tilden Mine, retiring June 30, 2009.
Lox will be remembered as one who lived life to the fullest and will be missed by his family and countless friends and acquaintances. Jim was competitive in nature and in his younger years played on Hickey’s fastpitch softball team and Joseph’s slow-pitch team. Lox enjoyed coaching, especially baseball.
During his life Jim was active in the Ishpeming Cribbage League, playing on the Venice Team, bowled in the Ishpeming Bowling League, participated in the Horseshoe League, playing for the Rendezvous Club, was a member of the Riverside Club and enjoyed trips to the area Casino’s. Lox was a member of the Wawonowin Country Club where he enjoyed golfing and socializing with friends along with playing cribbage. Jim truly loved to follow his children’s and grandchildren’s events and activities.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Haylee (Darien) Webb of Green Bay, WI; son, James R. (Kristen) Laakso Jr. of Riverview, FL; sister, Janet (Randy) Poirier of Fond du Lac, WI; brother, Jack (Mary Jo) Laakso of Gillett, WY; 7 grandchildren – Dylan Laakso, Dexter Laakso, Caleb Sherman, Saadiqah Gardner, Marqese Gardner, Cam’ron Gardner, Davonte Webb; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held from 2:00 – 5:00PM on Friday, October 14th, 2022, at the Wawonowin Country Club, 3432 CO Rd 478, Champion, MI, where remembrances will be shared at 4:30pm. Those attending are encouraged to wear their golf attire. Military Honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy at 5:00PM.
Jim’s obituary may also be viewed at bjotkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.