James LaBelle

Obituary of James LaBelle HOUGHTON James C. LaBelle, 82, a resident of Houghton passed away Monday morning August 13, 2012, at the Omega House in Houghton following a short illness. He was born on March 21, 1930, in Laurium, MI, a son of the late Carl J. and Mary A. (Hensley) LaBelle. Jim graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1948. Mr. LaBelle was a veteran having served with the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War. Following the war he returned to the Copper Country and on April 24, 1954, war, united in marriage to the love of his life, Gloria Picotte. The couple first resided in Lake Linden and for the past 50 years resided in Houghton. James attended Michigan Technological University while he worked for the C&H Mining Company. He then began the job he loved and retired from at Michigan Bell Telephone. In his younger years, he also owned and operated with his father, LaBelle and Sons Upholstery. Mr. LaBelle was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church of Houghton. He enjoyed to spend time outdoors and loved all animals. Preceding him in death were his wife Gloria, his grandson, Christopher Tucker, his great grandson Nathaniel LaBelle, his parents, his brothers, George, Gerald and Michael, his sister, Mary Ann and special kitty, Misty. Surviving are: His daughters: Phyllis (Forrest) Tucker of Texas & children Naomi, Heidi, Charity & David Lori (Clifford Therrian) LaBelle and very special granddaughter Christina LaBelle and a very special great granddaughter Chloe Snell of South Range His beloved kitty, Freckles His brother: John LaBelle of Iron River, WI His sisters: Carla and Victorine Several nieces, nephews, and cousins A memorial mass for James will be held 11 am Friday August 17, 2012, at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church of Houghton with Fr. John Martignon to officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery of Lake Linden, where the Copper Country Veterans Association will hold Military Rites. Friends may call on Friday August 17, 2012, from 10 am until time of services at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church of Houghton. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family suggests that memorials be given to Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly or the Omega House in memory of James LaBelle. To view James obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.plowefuneralhome.com The Plowe Funeral Home of Houghton is assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of James LaBelle, please visit Tribute Store