Negaunee Twp- James S. "Chinky" Lahtinen, age 78 of 19 Sandy Dr., Negaunee passed away Sunday November 1, 2015 at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans where he had resided since November 2013.

James was born March 11, 1937 in Negaunee. Jim graduated in 1955 from Negaunee High School where he was a member of the State Championship basketball team. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Jim worked as a postal carrier for the Negaunee Post Office for 38 years, retiring in 1998. He served as a union representative for the postal carriers.

Jim was all about his community. He was a past Negaunee School board member. He was a Big Brother and he had served as head of the Youth group at Immanuel Church where he also served on the church council. Chinky was instrumental with the creation of the Negaunee Township recreational facilities.

Chinky was a fanatic sports fan: baseball being his number one sport. He coached little league baseball and played in the Negaunee Old Timers league for many years. He was an avid Tigers, Lions and Red Wings fan. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and spending time with his grandchildren.

Chinky is survived by his wife Fran (Dye) Lahtinen of Negaunee, whom he married on October 16, 1987, a son Jim (Ellen) Lahtinen Jr. of Kennesaw, GA, 2 sisters: Sandra (John) Carlson of Ishpeming and Sharon (Rick) Engstrom of Alpena, MI, grandchildren; Patrick Lahtinen of Sarasota, FL, Ashley (Matt) Cody of Ishpeming, Bryan Huie and Brittany Mobley, great grandchildren: Alec Cody and Abigail Mobley, along with nieces, nephews and cousins. Chinky was preceded in death by his mother Ina Aho, daughter Melissa Heribacka and granddaughter Shea Heribacka.

A Memorial service will be held at 12:00 Noon, Thursday November 5, 2015 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Kenneth Lahners officiating.

Jim's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church from 11:00am until the time of service at 12:00 Noon. A luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall following the service.

Military honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #380.

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

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .