Obituaries

James "Jim" Honkanen passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, at the age of 95. A beloved resident of Cedar Cove Assisted Living in Cedarville, Michigan, for the past four and a half years. Jim continued to cherish his time at his cabin in Brimley, Michigan, whenever possible.

Jim's educational journey began in his birthplace in Beacon Hill, Michigan, then relocating to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to pursue a higher education at Soo Tech. He furthered his studies at Wayne State University, earning a teaching degree. He then obtained a master's degree from Michigan State University. Between his college years, Jim served as a sergeant in the United States Army at the Army Chemical Facility in Fort Meade, Maryland, from 1952 to 1954. It was during his military service that he met the love of his life, Beverly Riffel, whom he married in November 1953 in Saginaw, Michigan.

Jim began his teaching career with the Detroit school system before moving his family to Sault Ste. Marie. There, he became the Dean of Admissions at Lake Superior State University. An avid fisherman and hunter, Jim partnered with his friend, Jack Truckey, to purchase a hunting camp on Neebish Island, a cherished spot still enjoyed by their families today. Jim was also one of the original creators of the I-500 snowmobile race on the famous 1-mile ice track, which continues to be run on the first Saturday of February each year.

Jim's love for his cabin at Birch Point began at the age of 16. He convinced his parents, Ed and Anna Honkanen, to purchase it, and it remains a treasured family retreat where summers are filled with joy and memories. Jim was active in many community activities, earning the title of "honorary Italian" at the CC Hall for his years of rolling meatballs. His Catholic faith was a guiding force in his life, and he was a dedicated parishioner at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sault Ste. Marie before transferring to St. Francis Catholic Church in Brimley. There, he faithfully recited the rosary daily and in Sunday Masses. Jim and Bev were well-known for their contributions to making pasties at St. Francis. Able to retire early from the job and university he admired the most at LSSU, he and Bev continued doing what they enjoyed the most, entertaining people. Whether it was telling Finnish jokes, performing in parades as “Jimbo the Juggler”, or just having friends and family over at the “neighbors” for food, wine and ice cream, Jim was always willing. Also, an avid horseshoe player, Jim organized and ran horseshoe leagues in both Sault Ste Mare and during their winter months in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Jim is survived by his two daughters; Diane (Scott) Honkanen of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Linda (Steve) Bryan of Brimley; daughter-in-law, Pam Honkanen of Sault Ste. Marie; Jim's legacy also includes seven grandchildren, Steve (Tiffany) Walters of Raleigh, Andrea (Dan) Eaves of Lake Orion, Michigan, Chelsea (Andy) Howson of Midland, Michigan, Greg (Sophie) Walters of Terrebonne, Quebec, Ashley (Nate) Ward of Edmonton, Canada, Michael (Alison) Walters of Raleigh and David (Abbie) Bryan of Greenville, Michigan; and fourteen great-grandchildren, Skylyn, Lucas, Connor, Corinne, Sawyer, Brady, Theo, Benjamin, Kate, Lyla, Emerson, Gavin, Jordan and Bailee.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly (Riffel) Honkanen; son, Mike Honkanen; and parents, Edward and Anna Honkanen.

A Mass in Jim's honor will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by his burial at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Bev, and his parents, Ed and Anna. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Officiants of the service will be Father Peter and Father Tim.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Francis Xavier Church, 6769 M-221, Brimley, MI 49715 or to Cedar Cove Assisted Living, 226 S. Mary L St., Cedarville, MI 49719.

Jim's vibrant spirit and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.