James Henry Sipola

1934 - 2024

James Henry Sipola

James Henry Sipola passed away Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, Minn.

He was born on March 4, 1934, to Henry and Hilma Sipola of Embarrass. He married Helvi Ann Holappa on September 24, 1955 and shared their life journey together for 61 years. Jim enjoyed his family, singing, dancing, playing harmonica, yodeling, and operating his Allis-Chalmers loader, watching Vikings football and driving to have his morning coffee with his sisters, brother, and his children in the area.

Jim worked at WS Moore mining before he joined his brother Bill on the dairy farm delivering milk products. He then retired from Thunderbird Mining plant in Eveleth of 22 years.

Survivors include his five children: Tim (Alicia) Sipola of Babbitt, Minn., Deborah Killoran of Virginia, Minn., Cindy (Donovan) Berggren of Virginia, Minn., Mike Sipola of Tower, Minn., Mark (Penny) Sipola of Coon Rapids, Minn.; 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one sister, Doris Sipola of Minneapolis, Minn., numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Hilma; wife, Helvi; one grandson, Ryan Ranisate; one brother, Bill Sipola; and six sisters, Harriet Mattson, Betty Hill, Jeanette Mattson, Ruth Alaspa, Miriam Gornick and Margaret Skube.

Come share your stories and memories with his family at the home of Donovan and Cindy at 301 5th St. S., Virginia, Minn., on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 11:00 a.m. Coffee and a light lunch will be served.

Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.