James J. ‘Jim’ Lansky II

He was born on February, 11 1957 in Tawas, Mich., son of James and Lois (Shorkey) Lansky. Jim was raised in Tawas and graduated from Tawas Area High School. Jim relocated to Escanaba 20 years ago for his job with Canadian National Railroad.

Jim married Deborah Taylor on July 10, 2011, in Pembine, Wis.

He worked as a Certified Locomotive Engineer for Canadian National for 38 years until his retirement in September of 2019.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, driving his tractor, camping, and playing with his grandkids.

Jim loved people and from 1975-1992 he was a member of the Tawas City Fire Department serving Tawas, Tawas Township, and Alabaster Township. He served as Fire Chief from 1987-1992. Jim was an avid football, baseball, and basketball player in his younger years. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

His survivors include his wife, Deborah; children, Jenilee (Nick) Pelligrini and Travis Rolstad; grandchildren, Jace, Rhett, and Paislee; brother, Brian (Donna) Lansky of Tawas; sister, Linda (Jerry) Walters of Grand Ledge, Mich.; mother-in-law, Germain Taylor; brothers-in-law, Dennis Taylor, Leonard Taylor, and Jim (Lisa) Taylor; sister-in-law, Brenda (Rick) Jacques; and nieces and nephews, Michelle, Amanda, Rochelle, James, and Jessica.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Dwaine Taylor; and brother-in-law, Jay Sharkey.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 28 from 2-4 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S 13th St, in Escanaba. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Rob Jurkovich officiating.

Jim will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Schaffer.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.