James Frederick Giesau

James Frederick Giesau of Kingsford, MI, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, after a mass was discovered in his brain just a few weeks prior. He was 81. Jim was born on August 10, 1945, and was raised in Ontonagon, Michigan, sharing his youth with his parents, Mildred and Gerhardt Giesau, and his sister, Cheryl (Bob) Lackie. He graduated from Ontonagon in 1963. An avid hunter and fisherman, Jim loved being in the woods. Camouflage and blaze orange was his wardrobe of choice. Boy, could he tell stories! The antlers and the fish got bigger each time! Jim worked many jobs in the Ontonagon area, including UP Power, the copper mine, and even a used car lot. He owned a Sears Catalog store for many years before a fire destroyed it. He and his wife, Marilyn, also owned and operated a popular supper club, The Candlelight. Later, he moved to Kingsford to continue working for E & LS Railroad. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling, doing yard work, taking pride in his wonderful gardens, and putzing around with little projects. Jimmy and Marilyn (Jilek) were married for 46 years, and together they raised their blended families. “Yours, mine, and ours,” as they would say. Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (Jilek); his children, Lisa McGilvary (Kevin), Heidi, Sarah, Angie Sommers (Mike), Joel (Kathy) and Ed (Brittnae); 18 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. (He loved snuggling with those babies.) Along with his parents and sister, he is preceded in death by his son, Steven (Mella); a granddaughter, Kortnie; and a grandson, Matthew. Everyone loved Jimmy. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He always cracked a joke, told a funny story, and made you smile, and was a sweet, funny, caring, smart, determined, hardworking, kind, loving man who was always willing to help a neighbor. He liked his sweet treats, sports, comedies, western movies and yelling at the Packers on TV. Most of all, he loved slow dancing and holding hands with Marilyn, whom he absolutely adored. A party in his honor will be held at Bob & Gerry's bar in Kingsford on August 22, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. Let's raise a glass, wipe our tears, and swap stories about this wonderful man. Condolences may be expressed to the family of James Frederick Giesau online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

James Frederick Giesau

August 10, 1945 - August 14, 2026