Jim Stearns

April 27, 1945 - February 24, 2020

Jim (Whitey) Stearns, 74, of Breitung Twp., passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Monday, Feb. 24th, 2020 Jim was born April 27, 1945 in Escanaba, son of the late Jay and Elizabeth (Rousseau) Stearns. He was raised in Delta County and was a graduate of Escanaba Holy Name High School. After graduation, Jim attended Bay De Noc College. His education continued at Michigan State University, where he earned his Masters degree in guidance and counseling. Jim married Millie Steinmetz on August 17, 1968 in Escanaba. Jim and Millie moved to Kingsford in 1980, and Jim worked as a social worker and marriage counselor for Catholic Social Services, retiring in 2002. Jim was active in the community. He was a proud member of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Kiwanis Club for over 31 years. He was past president and had served on almost every committee and leadership position in Kiwanis. He belonged to the American Philatelic Society, the Northwoods Philatelic Society and stamp clubs in Green Bay, Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Over the years Jim has enjoyed many hobbies and activities. One of the most important things in Jim's life was his love for family and friends. He also loved spending time in the woods deer hunting with the bow and arrow. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, model trains, stamp and postcard collecting. He played adult soccer for many years and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Tigers and all of Michigan State University Sports. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by brothers, Jay and Wally Stearns; sister, Betsy Stearns and brothers-in-law, Pete Steinmetz and Arnie Carrigan. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Millie; children, Jim of Kingsford and Wendy (Brad) Koski of Iron Mountain; brother, Tom (Deb) Stearns of Bark River and Mary Lou Carrigan of Mound, Minnesota; granddaughters, Maddie and Baylee Koski, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 28th from 9:00am until 11:00am at the Kingsford Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:30am Friday at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian burial. A eulogy and time of sharing will take place during the luncheon in the parish hall following Mass. Burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery in the spring. Pallbearers will be Tom Stearns, Bob Steinmetz, Jim Steinmetz, Denny Deneau, Pat Ness, Jim Stearns and Brad Koski. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Patterson, Dave Bjorkman and Ray Perry. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to Kathy’s House (Hospital Guest House in Wauwatosa, WI), Rio Bravo Mission or Air Lifeline. Jim's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Morel and staff, Dr. Shah and staff at Froedtert Hospital, OSF Hospice and the Dickinson County Cancer Loan Closet. Condolences to the family of Jim Stearns may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements