James W. ‘Jim’ LaVigne

He was born in Bark River on November 24, 1935, the son of William and Gladys (Arkens) LaVigne. Jim was raised in Bark River and graduated from Bark River Harris High School in 1954

Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1960.

On August 14, 1987, James married the former Betty (Gallagher) LaVigne at St. Thomas Apostle Church in Escanaba.

Jim worked as a welder and assembler at Harnischfeger from 1954 until 1983. Most recently he worked at Elmer’s County Market until his retirement in 2001.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Church where he ushered for many years, assisted with funerals, did maintenance work, and helped decorate for Christmas. Jim was also a former Lions Club member.

Jim’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and snowmobiling. He enjoyed going to camp, hosting big 4th of July celebrations for family and friends, and attending the special events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He loved attending games in his younger years and never missed watching a game on TV. Jim had a great love for the Packers.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Scott (Sara) LaVigne of Escanaba, Rhonda (Jason) Heikkinen of L’Anse, and Tammy (Rob) Jensen of Escanaba; grandchildren, Alex LaVigne, Cassidy LaVigne, David (Alex) McLeod, Jimmy (Hannah) Veker, Diana (Kyle) Veker, Maggie LaVigne, Annalise LaVigne, Stacy (Steven) Jensen, Courtney (Jake) Bowden, Mackenzie (Quintin) McCarthy, and Morgan (James) Pepin; great-grandchildren, David, Madison, Cash, Crew, Skylar, Chase, Kennedy, Braxton, Bodi, Sutter, and Emerson; sister, Deanna (Dale) Kauffman; many nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Diana; son, Jerry Nye; infant sister, Jillaine; and infant brother, Danny.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Chapel, 1236 Old Hwy 2 & 41, Bark River. Military honors will conclude the visitation hours at 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with Rev. Darryl Pepin officiating. At the conclusion of the mass, a meal will be served in the church hall.

Burial will take place in Bark River Cemetery.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the LaVigne family.