James Roger Moilanen

James Roger Moilanen, born in L’Anse MI on 10/24/1944, died in San Diego on 12/8/2023 at the age of 79. Raised in Herman, he joined the Navy and served in Vietnam, maintaining the machines that encoded naval transmissions. He married Linda Peyton, had two kids, Erika and Matt, worked as an electrician and handyman, and had friends all over San Diego County. He was a very generous man, and took care of friends and family as he was able, right up until his death. He felt privileged to be in a position to give help. He loved his dogs and wild birds, especially hummingbirds. He felt like the luckiest man in the world. 

He greatly enjoyed visiting L’Anse and Herman every summer in his older years. He loved reconnecting with his roots, visiting family, fishing on the lake with his friend John Taisto, attending the Powwow, and especially the Aura Jamboree. He proudly played his Finnish music all of his life. And he was, as he was wont to say, “smarter than the average bear.” 

He is survived by his daughter Erika Solanen, his chosen granddaughter Sofie Smith, and his chosen great grandchildren, Adam and Nathan, who he was very proud to bring to L’Anse one summer. He is also survived by his sister Lora Murray, and his brothers, Jack, Wayne, and Louis Moilanen. By his beliefs, he is with his wife and son now. 

He will be buried with military honors in the Herman Cemetery on July 13 at 3pm.