James Emery

James "Big Bopper" Emery, age 59, of Zeba, passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2001 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 5, 1942 in L'Anse, son of William and Marge (Schofield) Emery. He was raised in L'Anse and attended school there. James married Amelia Maki on March 30, 1963 in Baraga. He was in the US Army from 1962-64, during the Vietnam War.

He worked for the Chicago Union Station, then moved back to L'Anse, in 1964, where he worked for Tribal Construction for a few years. James then became a commercial fisherman in the area.

He was a member on Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Zeba, KBIC and a former council member, AIM Michigan Chapter in Republic, and the Ojibwa Senior Center. James received a Heroism award from KBIC for saving a drowning victim. His hobbies include gambling, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren.

James is survived by his wife Amelia of Zeba; three sons, Jim Emery of Kinchlowe, MI, Joe Emery of Escanaba, Mark Emery of L'Anse; two daughters, Annette Emery of Escanaba, Aimee Emery of Baraga; one brother, William (Gretchen) Emery of Zeba; three sisters, Pat (Ray) Kemppainen of Baraga, Beverly (Pete) Ellsworth of Zeba, Gwen Loonsfoot of Zeba; 16 grandchildren; and one Great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald "Tippy" and Ron Emery; three sisters, Jacqueline Cote, Virginia Shelifoe, and Mary Connors.

The visitation will be on Wednesday from 6 to 9:00 p.m., and Thursday one hour prior to the service, at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Assinins. The Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct a military service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, at the church. The funeral mass will be on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church. Fr. George Joseph will officiate. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is in charge of arrangements.