James S. Talbacka

ISHPEMING, MI – James S. Talbacka, age 82, of Ishpeming, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at U.P. Health System – Marquette, while in the comforting care of his family and ICU staff.

James was born May 25, 1943, in Ishpeming, MI, the son of the late Sulo and Helmi (Laakso) Talbacka. He grew up on the family farm, where he and his brother Ronald were known for being a pair of mischief-makers, often creating playful trouble. From an early age James loved the woods, hunting, and tinkering with anything that had a motor. He attended National Mine Grade School and National Mine High School.

After leaving school, James worked at Hill's Garage in Negaunee. It was there he met his future wife, Kathleen Tremblay, who was trying to hitch a ride to Ishpeming. James playfully proclaimed this was the best thing that ever happened to Kathy. They married in 1964 at St. Paul's in Negaunee and made their first home on County Road 581, raising their children in a 42-by-8-foot trailer while they built their house.

James later worked at P and M Construction before beginning a long career at the Tilden Mine. He spent 28 years at the Tilden, rising to maintenance supervisor in the truck shop before retiring.

A true outdoorsman, James loved camping, campfires, and the simple pleasure of time spent in the woods with family. He was an avid gun collector and a lifelong member of the NRA. His children will always cherish the memories of their camping trips, sitting around a fire together, snowmobiling, and riding bikes. He could fix almost anything and delighted in passing those skills on to his sons and grandchildren. In his mind there was always a project that could be worked on.

James was a devoted family man, and by his own admission, a stubborn Finlander. However, that stubbornness helped him persevere through health challenges in his later years; still attending family events and making time for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family teased him for having few rules for the little ones – they had him wrapped around their finger.

James is survived by his wife of 61 years Kathleen; his children, Peggy (David) Pepin, Paul (Vickie) Talbacka, Julie (Jim) Rivard, John (Tammy) Talbacka; grandchildren, Joel (Krista Musselman) Talbacka, Austin (Mallory) Rivard, Natalie (Marc) Flaherty, Paige (Dylan) Willey, Kaeleigh (Brendan Seebeck) Talbacka; great-grandchildren, Lilah Lindeman, Emmalyn Rivard, and Myla Willey; and his brother, Ronald Talbacka.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sulo and Helmi Talbacka; his parents-in-law Wilfred and Taimi Tremblay; and his grandson, Michael Skogman.

James' family would like to give special thanks to the staff at UP Health System - Marquette ICU, Dr. Benson, Dr. Culpepper, and nurses Liz, Savannah, and Angela, among many others, for their compassionate care.

A celebration of James' life will take place at River Rock Lanes and Banquet Center on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Food will be served throughout.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.

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