James R. Cousineau

January 21, 1933 - December 5, 2020

HARDWOOD - James R Cousineau, age 87, passed away Saturday Dec 5, 2020 at Maryhill Manor in Niagara, WI Jim was born January 21, 1933 in Iron Mountain, the son of Mabel and Joseph Cousineau. He was raised on the family farm, along with 10 brothers and sisters in Fordville and graduated from Felch High School in 1951. Following high school Jim remained on the farm where eventually he and his brother Melvin operated the family farm, along with their families, which eventually became a potato farm. It is still in the family and operated by his nephew Jeff Cousineau and his family. In 1977 Jim sold his portion of the farm to his brother and began his own logging business, clear cutting and hauling logs to area mills, until his retirement. Also, during this time, he bought and ran his own sawmill and sold beautiful wood and paneling for many folks’ building projects. Jim married Cecile Gauthier on August 9, 1958 and together they shared 49 years of marriage until Cecile’s death in 2007. They raised four daughters – Karen, Janice, Lynn and Susan. In the late 70’s Jim and Cecile eventually began building a lake house, all with his own logs and paneling on the Stromberg’s back waters in Hardwood. Their home was the first one on the lake. While living there, they enjoyed many years with their children and families getting together just to enjoy the lake and each other. A tradition was started every labor day to have a pig roast at the lake where many family and friends came to have a good time. Music was always part of the fun. Jim was the life of the party and eventually became known for his talents at playing his homemade stomper, which he has played for many years, especially at the many local music festivals. He was a hard worker, but knew how to have fun. To say Jim was sociable, is an understatement. His smile radiated a room. If you didn’t know Jim, by the end of the day, he would have become your best friend. His love for life shown through his smile. Someone once said, “If a smile is love, nobody loved like Jim!” Throughout the years Jim also enjoyed snowmobiling, taking rides on his pontoon, and camping and of course the yearly November hunting camp. During his last years Jim could be heard saying, “I lived a good life.” Jim was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Foster City, where he was very involved in committees throughout the years, the Knights of Columbus and was a Eucharistic Minister. For many years he was in charge of the cooking of the famous “Church Chicken” that was barbecued every year for the annual church picnic. Jim also served as Breen Township supervisor and assessor for 25 plus years. He was an avid North Dickinson Nordic and Green Bay Packer fan. He is survived by his four daughters, Karen Bougie of Escanaba, Janice (Bill) Goudreau of Kingsford, Lynn (Darrell) Oman of Felch and Sue (Tom) VanHulla of Niagara, WI.; his brother, Melvin Cousineau, who resides at the ICMCF in Crystal Falls; Melvin’s wife, Lorraine of Hardwood; his sister-in-law, Louise Legault of Escanaba; also surviving are his grandchildren: Brandy Bougie, Cole Bougie, Mike (Aimee) Cousineau, Ryan Goudreau, Adam (Alysa) Goudreau, Amanda Goudreau, Marie (Travis) Johnson, Emily Oman, Brittany Oman, Joe (Caroline) VanHulla, and James (Lindsey) VanHulla; and great-grandchildren: Maggie, Mya, Georgia, Malechi, Maddielynn, Maliah, Rylee, Gracelynn, Jaz, Alijah, Ashton, Landon, Izzy, Rhett, Mason, Lexee, Marlee, Averie, and Max. In addition to his parents, Mabel and Joe, and his loving wife Cecile, Jim was preceded in death by his son-in-law Dan Bougie, his sisters, Camellia, Lorraine, Mayme, June, Eileen, Francis and Beverly and his brothers, Donald and John. Jim’s family would like to thank the staff at Maryhill Manor for the loving care given to him. You are all angels, and he was so blessed to have you as his caregivers. Thank you! Visitation will be on Saturday, December 12th from 9:00 am until 10:30 am at St. Joseph Church in Foster City. Everyone attending the visitation is asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing while inside the church. Private funeral services are being held. Fr. Daryl Pepin will offer the Mass of Christian burial. Burial will be in the Foster City Cemetery. Condolences to the family of James Cousineau may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.