James Edward Suhanic

James Edward Suhanic, formerly of Tawas City, passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2024, in Newberry.
Jim was born on Feb. 19, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio to John and Dorothy Suhanic. He grew up on the banks of the Black River in Elyria, Ohio and then in high school, his family moved to Brimley, in the U.P. One of his fondest memories was when his Brimley basketball team won the State Championship in 1950 in his senior year of high school. He described it as a "Hoosiers" type of experience.
After high school, Jim attended Lake Superior State College and Michigan State University where he played football and studied Mechanical Engineering. After college graduation in 1955, he married the love of his life, Janice, and joined the Air Force, serving until 1960. His children Mark, Kim, and Tami were born during that time at different duty stations.
After his military stint, he settled on a farm in Berlin Heights, Ohio, where he worked for NASA Plum Brook in the nuclear reactor. In 1973, he moved his family and a multitude of horses and other family pets to Tawas City and worked at Wurtsmith Air Force Base until his retirement in 1987.
Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman and looked forward to his annual Canadian fishing trip every summer. He organized over 51 fishing trips to Canada as well as 15 moose hunts, seven elk hunts, antelope, and goose hunts.
Jim is survived by Mark (Susan) Suhanic of Berlin Heights, Ohio, Kim Suhanic (Jon Fosgitt) of McMillan, and Tami (Ray) Mattozzi of Fredericksburg, Va. Jim dearly loved his 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, including playing many Michigan rummy card games where he was always highly competitive. Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Luce Communities That Care to benefit the annual Kids Tackle Party. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at LMAS District Health Department, 14150 Hamilton Lake Road, Newberry, MI 49868.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.