James “Oaks” Oikarinen

Born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, Jim was a true Yooper — proud of his Finnish roots and gifted with a wide range of skills. He lived life on his terms, and more often than not, things took unexpected turns — but through it all, he remained good-natured, always finding the humor in life. To Jim, that was all part of the adventure.

A graduate of Michigan Tech with a degree in forestry, he would often joke that he never bought a textbook, preferring to attend lectures and borrow books only when absolutely necessary–usually just before exams. Despite this, he had an innate ability to identify any tree, bird, or animal in the woods.

A passionate fisherman and hunter, Jim’s walls were adorned with trophy fish and whitetail bucks. In 2014, he caught the largest brook trout in Michigan — 6.9 pounds, as verified by the DNR (Bete Grise). As an expert splake (that’s a hybrid of speckled and lake trout for the uninitiated) fisherman, Jim often out-fished those around him and earned top spots in numerous tournaments. When asked about his secret to success, he’d often say, “An orange jointed Rapala.” While that may or may not have been the case, those who fished with him knew the real secret lay in his unmatched skills and determination. Many cherished fishing trips were taken together with friends, family, and anyone who showed interest in venturing out on “The Big Lake.” Jim converted many people into fishermen and helped create countless memories on the water that will last a lifetime.

While he often told stories about his adventures, the real fun was always in the doing. One of Jim’s most unforgettable adventures was working out west as a lead surveyor for an oil exploration company. He navigated through rugged terrains, and once, to save time, he crossed the mighty Snake River while clinging to a helicopter strut with one hand, holding his surveying tripod in the other. OSHA would not have approved, but it was classic Jim.

After his time out west, Jim returned home to the Upper Peninsula, where he became a dedicated mailman in Calumet and later, the beloved postmaster in Mohawk. Even years later, he could still recall any person’s address with ease.

An exceptional athlete, Jim was known for his speed on the baseball field, stealing eight bases in a single Twilight League game — a record he shares with his brother Rick. He was also an avid cross-country skier and a track and field enthusiast, continuing to compete in track well into retirement. Jim proudly participated in the Senior Olympics, proving that his competitive spirit never slowed down.

Above all, he treasured the time spent with his children — Lisa, Justin, and Jenny — creating countless memories on camping and canoe trips, often filled with unexpected detours and good-natured mishaps along the way. Jim was also a proud grandfather, taking great joy in spending time with his grandchildren. He loved passing down his passion for fishing and exploring, sharing with them the same sense of adventure and appreciation for the outdoors that he had cultivated throughout his life. Whether it was teaching them how to cast a line or guiding them on walks through the woods, Jim found immense joy in watching the next generation embrace the things he loved.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Lillian, and his brother George. He is survived by his brothers Pete (Barbara Simila) and Rick (Lorri Barron); his children, Lisa (Dan Kaufman), Justin (Dani) Oikarinen, and Jenny (Craig Bollig); and his grandchildren, Eli and Nora Kaufman, Jordan, Beckett, and Colton Oikarinen, and the newest addition, Vienna Bollig.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Cliff Nichols, Art Heikkila, Bruce Loukus, and Darrell Hendrickson for their lifelong friendship and unwavering support during this difficult time, as well as to all those who have shown kindness and compassion — there are too many others to list.

How do you sum up a life as rich and full as Jim’s? He will be remembered with love, fondness, and respect–leaving behind a legacy of adventure, a deep connection to the land and people he cherished, and a healthy dose of humor.

A funeral service will be held for James at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home located in Calumet. Public Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.