James F. "Jim" Salli's Obituary
James F. “Jim” Salli, age 61, of Watton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 28, 2016 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L’Anse. He was born in L’Anse on June 14, 1955 the son of the late Frank Emil and Bertha (Nurkala) Salli. Jim graduated from L’Anse High School in 1973. He married the former Janet Hupp at Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington in 1989. Jim had worked at Republic Mine, Empire Mine and the Tilden Mine as a laborer and driller until his retirement in 2014. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington and the Covington Volunteer Fire Department. Jim enjoyed woodworking, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, being in the woods, going to hunting camp with his boys, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Janet, of Watton, children Nikki (Joseph) O’Leary of Sidnaw, Francis (Lacey) Salli of Marquette and Gary Salli of Watton, grandchildren Kelsey Syrjala, Kyle Syrjala, Franki Salli and Maev O’Leary, great grandchildren Blake and Carter Maki, brother Robert (Dee) Moat of Cave Junction, Oregon, sister Darlene Mattson of Covington, aunt Shirley Lahti of Negaunee and aunt and uncle Martha and Swen Nurkala of Negaunee, two boys he thought of as his own, Steven and Danny Brunet, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins including Jack Salli who was like a brother to Jim. He is also survived by his best buddy “Bentley” who was always by his side.
Funeral services for Jim were held at 11 a.m. on Friday December, 2, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington with Pastor Mark Reinsch officiating. The family greeted friends at the church on Thursday, December 1, 2016 from 6 until 8 p.m and on Friday from 10 a.m until the time of the service. Immediately following the funeral service, interment took place in the Covington Cemetery. A luncheon was held at church following the interment.
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