James Harold ‘Jimmer’ Moilanen

Jimmer was born in Hancock on October 31, 1975, to Sherry Ann Hodges and Stephen John Poos.

Family was the most important thing to Jimmer. You didn’t have to be related by blood to be considered part of his family either as he loved everyone with his whole heart. You would feel it in his hugs. He had a way of making you feel how important you were to him and he would do anything he could for those he loved.

Jimmer’s wife and children brought so much joy to his heart and he was proud to be a husband and father. He was proud of them as well, especially his wife, who was devoted to him from the day that they met and remained steadfastly devoted to him through all of the obstacles life put in their path. A family of his own was the one thing in life that Jimmer wanted the most and he was blessed with the very best one.

Jimmer’s sense of humor was incredible and his laugher, infectious. He could make you cry and double over in laughter simultaneously with his quick wit and lightning speed rebuttals. He had a love for music of any kind, “the louder, the better” his motto. He enjoyed nothing more than a road trip and would often cruise the backroads of the Keweenaw, playing his favorite jams while immersing himself in the beauty of the U.P.

He had a fondness for nature, mudding in his truck in the backwoods, fishing, camping and bonfires with friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Steve; and his brothers, Thomas, Donny and John Patrick.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Archambeau Moilanen; his children, Wyatte and Abigal; his mother, Sherry; sisters, Catherine, Renee, Mary and Teri Kaye; brothers, Billy and Michael; as well as many other loved ones that were special to him.

Jimmer touched the lives of many with his courageous and generous spirit and will be greatly missed. The sound of his laughter will resonate within the hearts of those who love him, whom he loved fiercely in return, making us smile every day until we are united again.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at the Ryan Funeral Home. Friends may call from noon until time of service.