James ‘Jim’ R. Kneebone
ATLANTIC MINE — James “Jim” R. Kneebone, 83, of Atlantic Mine, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock, following a brief illness.
He was born November 11, 1935, in Hancock, a son of the late Samuel and Dorothy (James) Kneebone, and was a 1953 graduate of the Hancock Central High School.
Jim served in the United States Naval Reserves in Hancock.
Jim worked for many years as a manager at the former A&P grocery store in Hancock. He was then employed for 28 years at Northern Hardwoods, retiring as a supervisor in 1996.
On June 18, 1955, Jim married the former Jeannette Silvola in Hancock. The couple raised four sons. Jeanette passed away on September 24, 1995. Eventually, Jim met his longtime companion, Evie Koskela. They enjoyed many years of travelling and going to the casino. Evie passed away on June 18, 2018.
Jim was a member of the Wyandotte Hills Men’s Golf League. He was instrumental in developing the Jeffers High School hockey program in 1971, coaching the team for 15 years, and served as president of the Jeffers Booster Club. He also coached Copper Country Jr. Hockey for 15 years. Besides going to the casino, Jim enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Red Wings games.
Jim’s pride and joy were his grandchildren. He always looked forward to spending time with them.
Jim is survived by three sons, Bob of Atlantic Mine, Steve (Lauri) of Painesdale, and Mike (Shawna) of Box Elder, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Jesse Kneebone, Jolene (Brandon) Germaine, Brittany Kneebone, Brandon Kneebone and Casey Moore; two great-grandchildren, Ava and Max; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was also preceded in death by his son, Keith, in 1975; a sister, Dorothy; and two brothers, Tom and Robert.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range, with Pastor Jesse Aho to officiate.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the mortuary.
Burial will be in the Mountain View Cemetery in South Range.
Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.