Champion- James Dale DeLongchamp, 71, lifelong resident of the Champion area, passed away at his home on Lake Michigamme on September 27, 2019 under the care of his family and UP Home Health & Hospice after battling brain cancer the last seven months.

Jim was born in Ishpeming Michigan on January 27, 1948 son of the late Ethel (Beaupied) and Felix DeLongchamp.  He was a 1966 graduate of Champion High School and received a Bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University in 1970.  Jim married the former Cynthia Perry on June 17, 1972 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Champion.

Jim began his nearly 40-year long career as the Business Manager of the NICE Community Schools in 1974 and was a long-time member of the Michigan School Business Officials.  Jim was admired by colleagues for his creative and practical approach to solving problems.  Jim and his wife Cindy owned and operated the The Church and the Wildwood in Michigamme for nearly 20 years.

Jim was member of the Sacred Heart Catholic church having served on the parish council and as an usher.  He was also involved in the Michigamme Fourth of July Committee for several years.

Jim was a very active person and enjoyed biking, kayaking and hunting.  He was an avid camper and enjoyed camping with family.  Jim spent many winters at The Great Outdoors RV Park in Titusville, FL with his wife Cindy and enjoyed going to the beach, golfing and socializing with friends and neighbors.  Above all, Jim was a loving and supportive husband and father and was deeply invested in the happiness and wellbeing of his family.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy DeLongchamp of Champion; two sons, Brad (Sherri Niemi) DeLongchamp of Michigamme, Chris (Meagan) DeLongchamp of Greenfield, WI; a daughter, Angel DeLongchamp of Marquette; three grand-children, Brittany, Connor and Logan; mother-in-law, Bernice Perry; brothers-in-law; Bobby (Cheryl) Perry and Joe Perry; sisters-in-law Lori (Jeff) Mapes and Roxanne (Charles) Gardner along with several nieces and nephews and friends.  Jim was proceeded in death by his parents Felix and Ethel DeLongchamp and father-in-law Forest Perry.

The family will meet relative and friends from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, on Tuesday October 1, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Champion with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 5:00 PM with Fr. Dan Moll officiating.  Interment will take place at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Champion.  A luncheon will follow the service in the church hall.

Jim's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

Jim's funeral recording can be listened to here.