On September 13th, 2024 James Puuri (Jim) went to be with the Lord. He was born October 29th, 1955 in Hancock, Michigan. Jim grew up on a dairy farm in Liminga milking cows, haymaking, and doing the usual chores that come with running a farm.
A 1973 graduate of Houghton High School, Jim's life took him to Kalispell, Montana where he met the love of his life, Starlene, and started a family of his own. Together they had four beautiful children: Brian, Aaron, Justin, and Amanda. Jim loved the Lord, his family, children, and grandchildren with a fierce kind of love that was too great to measure.
After settling in Montana, he and Starlene bought a log truck and Jim began trucking to support his family. Whether he was behind the wheel of his log truck, chip truck, or propane truck, Jim never ceased working tirelessly to make sure there was always food on the table and for that, his family was, and is, tremendously grateful.
His final summer here on earth before he was called home was filled with immense joy, laughter, and light; surrounded by the steadfast love of his family in the place he called "home." It was here where he reconnected with Starlene and etched a lifetime of memories on the hearts of those around him.
Farewell for now, dear traveler; lover of the great outdoors where the hot springs flow; avid reader; milk and oatmeal connoisseur; storyteller of every beloved memory from long ago; listener of all the good old country music songs; protector, husband, loving father, and friend. You are missed in immeasurable ways by Starlene, your children, grandchildren, siblings, and all those fortunate to have known you: Starlene Puuri of Kalispell MT, Brian (Andrea) Puuri (son) and their children Elijah Morales (grandson), Elisah Rosas (granddaughter), and Ethan Morales (grandson). Aaron (Nicole) Puuri (son), Justin Puuri (son), Amanda (Will) Allen (daughter) and their children Zoe Allen (granddaughter) and Hunter Allen (grandson). Joanne Hodges of Hancock MI (sister), Duane (Brenda) Puuri of Houghton MI (brother), Matt (Pauline) Puuri of Kalispell MT (brother), Joyce (Steve) Smith of Marquette MI (sister), and Tom Puuri of Baltic MI (brother).
Guestbook/Condolences
With great sadness we heard of Jim's sudden passing. We grew up on neighboring farms and spent time working and visiting with the family. Jim was a great outdoors man. He always managed those 24" plus steelhead during early fishing season. The overnight camping and fishing trips were his hallmark.
Jim will be missed by our family. His honest and humble demeanor not forgotten. Rest in Peace Jim.
I never knew Jim , but I knew his parents Edwin and Ingrid. I was a boy that spent a summer on the Puuri farm. Edwin and Ingrid did not have children at the time. I guess having me on the farm lit a fire in Jim’s parents as they then had children, Your parents were the best and I cherish those memories. You were lucky to have them as parents. God be with you , Jim.