James Tuomala

James (Jimmy) Howard Tuomala, 58, passed from this world to his new home in heaven on July 5, 2018 at the Ely Bloomenson Hospital following a hard battle with cancer.  He was born in Ely on June 25, 1960, to Michael and Violet (Korpi) Tuomala.  He graduated from the Ely Memorial High School, served in the Army National Guard, worked as a manager of a sawmill, and working several capacities, most recently as a supervisor at the North Shore Mine. He spent his spare time studying. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Science (computer), and a Master of Applied Sciences (psychology).  Jim’s unfulfilled dream was to become a counselor.  He was a member of the Ely Baptist Church and the Masons organization. Jim was passionate about politics, making several bids for public office. Jim had a violin and taught himself to play. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, skiing, snow shoeing, and walking, riding his motorcycle, and driving his truck with his furry riding partners “Herbie” and “Eddie”.   He had a quick wit and an infectious sense of humor.  He was a kind and gentle soul.  
 
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Patrick, nephew Kevin Kvien, niece Pam Walton, and great nephew Silas Kvien.
 
He is survived by five siblings; Michael (Sandy) Tuomala of Eveleth, Marian (Armin) Kvien of Carlton,  Bonnie (William) Kobe of Dillon, MT,
Sara Cherne of Duluth, and Karen Tuomala of Cloquet; sister-in-law, Cheryl Tuomala;   three aunts; Bernice Price 0f Cloquet, Lillian Forcier of Aptos, CA, and Anne Korpi of Mpls; one uncle; Ken Billick of Waterloo, Iowa,  5 nieces, 7 nephews, many cousins,  his good friend Joe, and many other friends.
 
A memorial service will be held at the Ledgerock Community Church in Ely at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 13. Pastor Gary Watts will officiate.  A family burial will take place at a later time.
 
Family services by Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely
 

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