James Wilenius

James Alfred Wilenius Mr. James Alfred Wilenius, 84 of Atlanta, Michigan died peacefully at home on January 21, 2018 with his loving wife at his side. He was born to the late, Lauri and Helmi (Hendrickson) Wilenius in Fitzburg, Massachusetts on October 5, 1933. On July 25, 1953 in Redford, Michigan he married his wife, Jacqueline (LaPlante) Wilenius and together the couple celebrated 64 years of marriage before his passing. The couple have resided in Atlanta for the past 21+ years having owned property here prior to that. Jim worked in plumbing and heating for Plymouth/Canton School District for 22 years and retired in 1998. He was a member of the Big Rock Congregational Church. While working in plumbing and heating he would often help those who couldn't afford to pay in cash. He was an outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. He loved to swim and taught all of his children how and loved the sauna which was part of the Finnish side of him. He enjoyed to BBQ and grill although he tended to burn the things he made. He could often be found tinkering around in the garage and always hard at work. He built his home from a cabin even learning how to do the stone work to match the old. Jim remained active with his children as a Boy Scout counselor and umpire for boys little league. When he wasn't working or volunteering his time, he was reading. Jim was an avid reader and part of his daily routine was to read the newspaper. He enjoyed outdoor and travel magazines, the Farmer's Almanac, and geography. Aside from it all, he enjoyed the time he spent with family and friends and will be dearly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Wilenius of Atlanta; sons, James Wilenius of Jackson; Greg (Jenny) Wilenius of Brighton; daughter, Judy (Steve) Raymond of Clarkston; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary (Clarence) Cook of RockLedge, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lauri and Helmi Wilenius; sons, Ronald and Donald; daughter, Valerie Moore; brothers, John and Henry; and sister, Susan Boerger. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial held in celebration of his life at a later date.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Wilenius of Atlanta; sons, James Wilenius of Jackson; Greg (Jenny) Wilenius of Brighton; daughter, Judy (Steve) Raymond of Clarkston; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary (Clarence) Cook of RockLedge, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lauri and Helmi Wilenius; sons, Ronald and Donald; daughter, Valerie Moore; brothers, John and Henry; and sister, Susan Boerger.
As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial held in celebration of his life at a later date.