James S. Mattila Sr.

Suo District James S. Mattila Sr., 92, a resident of the Sou District, passed away Friday afternoon July 30, 2010, at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born on June 1, 1918, in Toivola, MI, a son of the late Sam J. and Laura K. (Johnson) Mattila. As a child, he attended the Heikkinen School in Toivola. On August 14, 1937, he was united in marriage to the former Bertha Maki. Since that time he has made his home in the Suo District. On September 24, 2006, Bertha preceded him in death. Mr. Mattila was a veteran having served with the United States Army during World War II. James had operated his family farm and then worked for various contractors in the area doing carpentry work. In 1955, he partnered with his brother Yalmer, to start Mattila Contracting which he helped operate until his retirement in 1973. Mr. Mattila was a member of the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Church, the Chassell V.F.W. Post #6507, Carpenters Union Local #1510, along with various organizations in the area. Jim also enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and trapping. Preceding him in death were his wife, Bertha, his parents, his Son Carl, his sisters, Beatrice and Bertha, and his brothers Wesley, Walfred, Yalmer and two infant brothers, and a son-in-law John Keranen. Surviving are: His children: James Jr. (Karen) Mattila Shirley Keranen Robert (Betty) Mattila Barbara Mattila Carol (Gary) Johnson Virginia (Paul) Luoma Violet (James) Medhurst Vivian (Jon) Grischke Ruth (Thomas) Machrain Michael (Vicky) Mattila Vicky (Kenneth) Kline Laura (Sam) Christoff His brothers: Alvin (Lydia) Mattila Gordon (Marjorie) Mattila Earl (Melanie) Mattila Sanfred (Pat) Mattila Leo (Marian) Mattila His sisters: Laura (Hiram) Mosley Carol (Robert) Deede His sister-in-law: Margaret Mattila 43 grandchildren Numerous great grandchildren Numerous great great grandchildren Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins Funeral services for James will be held 11:00 am Saturday August 7, 2010, at the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Church with Rev. Kenneth Storm and Rodney Johnson to officiate. Burial will be in the Toivola Cemetery where Chassell V.F.W. Post #6507 will hold military rites. Friends may call on Friday July 6, 2010, from 3 to 8 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock and on Saturday from 10 am until time of services at the church. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family suggests that memorials be given to the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Church, the Children's Miracle Network, or the charity of ones choice. To view James's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements