Ishpeming – James I. Vadnais, age 79, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born September 21, 1934 in Republic, MI the son of the late Dolphus and Tyyne (Maki) Vadnais. He attended the Republic School and entered into the United States Marine Corps where he served from May of 1954 thru May of 1956 having been deployed to Japan during the Korean War. Upon his return from the service he married the former Carol Argall on Sept 21,1957 and together they made their home in Ishpeming.

Jim loved hunting, camp, woodworking and welding or just passing time working in his garage along with spending quality time with family and friends. He truly loved animals of all types. Jim retired from CCI as a general foreman and enjoyed a long retirement of 21 years, traveling with friends and family to many venues, including an annual trip to Las Vegas. He was a member of the Ishpeming Elks and a former member of the AmVets.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years Carol Vadnais of Ishpeming; 2 daughters – Susan (Leann Touchinski) Vadnais of Harvey and Linda (Donald) Bode of Negaunee; a sister Nancy (Bob) Kerkela; brothers – Wayne (Sherry) Vadnais and Eugene Vadnais; a sister-in-law Marilyn (Dave) Grayes; special nieces and nephew – Katie (Kilan Marcotte) Grayes, Jolie (Matt) Maddock, Becky (Brian) Kestila and Rob Kerkela as well as several other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother William Vadnais.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:30 – 2:30pm on Tuesday September 9, 2014 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming. Memorial services will follow at 2:00pm on Tuesday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. J.J. Mannschreck to officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380 at the conclusion of the services. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A coffee social will follow the services in the fellowship hall at the Wesley United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans for the constant care and love they showed to Jim over this last year.

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