James B. Laine

James B. Laine

James B. Laine, 78, of Tower, died on Friday, October 10, 2025, at his home.

He was born and raised in Eveleth, Minn., and graduated from Eveleth High School. He then studied Elementary Education at Bemidji State University. James started his teaching career at Babbitt-Embarrass Elementary School. Following the closing of Babbitt-Embarrass Elementary, he went and earned his Library Science Master's Degree at Hamline University. He then transferred to Mesabi East High School where he was the Librarian. He was the school Librarian until his retirement.

Through all of his years of teaching, he still played the drums with local bands. Even at 78, he could still pound the drums.

James was preceded in death by his father and mother, Eino "Keno" and Rose Laine and special friend, Mary Joy Lanont.

He is survived by his children, James (Jimmy) R. and wife Michelle Laine of Mountain Iron; Holly and Dewey Holden of Eveleth; grandchildren, Lucas Hansen of Biwabik, Kari Laine of Tennessee, and Ryne Laine of Britt. He is also survived by sister, Jeanie Laine (Randy Nelson) of Duluth and loyal companion, Andrea Vogel of Cook.

A Gathering for family and friends will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Cron-Sheehy Funeral Home, Eveleth. A Musical Memorial in honor of Jim will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Tavern in the Bay on Lake Vermilion. Times for the Memorial is 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. with the music being played from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

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