James A Lahti (Jim, Jimmy), age 83, passed away on May 22, 2025, after a short stay at the Waterview Pines in Virginia under the care of Essentia St. Mary’s Hospice.

Jim was born in Ely on March 31, 1942, to Arne and Clara (Sandnas) Lahti. As a child, his family lived in Orr, Cook and Babbitt. In the early 1960s, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy where he completed his GED. Based out of Norfolk, VA, Jim served on the USS Henley DDS 762 as a gunner’s mate that toured the Mediterranean. While returning home on leave, he was ordered to report back to his base immediately due to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. After his honorable discharge, Jim enrolled at the Grand Rapids Technical College where he completed the welding program. He moved to Minneapolis and worked for over ten years at Metal-Matic which made steel tubing. In the mid-1970s, Jim returned to the Range and worked for St. Louis County for 28 years as a heavy equipment operator.

As a single man, Jim lived over 40 years in the house where his father was raised north of Virginia. He remained active during his retirement years by cutting wood, raising organic vegetables, which he always shared with family and friends, and constructing sheds to store all his “stuff.” He enjoyed going to auctions and county fairs. Proud to have served his country, Jim attended several naval reunions for the vets who served on the USS Henley.

Jim referred to himself as a “stubborn Finlander” (his family agrees). He is survived by his sister Jan (Ron) Stadtherr; his brother, Brian (Nancy) Lahti; four nieces, one nephew, great-nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his still-born brother, Larry; and nephew, Bradley Lahti.

Graveside rites will be held on Sunday, September 14, at the Florenton Cemetery at 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of his life at the Wuori Town Hall from 12 to 2 p.m. where lunch will be served.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia.  To express condolences online please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.