James Markham

Obituary of James Markham Houghton Canal James Penrose Markham, 74, passed away at his home early Thursday morning with his children by his side.Jim was born in Calumet on July 21, 1938. He was the only son of John and Blanche (Volberg) Markham of Houghton and spent his summers on his beloved Isle Royale where his father was stationed with the NPS. He worked two summers as a surveyor for a Geological Service on Isle Royale, later as a part time commercial fisherman in Keweenaw and Isle Royale. He loved his boats, from his little wooded rowboats to his 38 foot Bayliner. Whenever he could he would head to the island taking many friends and family members over the years. He passed this love of Isle Royale on to all his children. Jim worked for Hornick's Station, Kinn Bottle Gas, and then Michigan Gas and Electric (Semco) until his retirement at age 60. He also was a business owner starting with Canal Boat Sales in the 1960's, which later became Markham's Marina.Jim served as President of the Stanton School Board during the construction of E.B. Holman School. He also served for many years on several boards of the Copper Country Junior, Michigan Amateur, and U.P. Hockey Associations; Aiding in development of programs, coaching and volunteering countless hours of services to the area hockey rinks. He was a former president of the Isle Royale Boaters Assoc., and most recently served on the Houghton County Road Commission Board. Jim married Margaret Anderson on December 12, 1959 and made their home on the Houghton Canal.Preceding him in death were his parents, his son-in-law Glenn Peterson, brothers and sisters in law, Melvin and Eleanor Anderson, Reino Anderson, and Arthur Maki.Surviving are his wife, at Portage Point, 5 daughters and 8 sons. Patty Peterson of Hancock, Jane and Paul Hietala of Houghton Canal , Beth and Russell Ryynanen of Chassell, Joan and Dale Kero of Hancock, and Crystal and Jim Pietila of Howell. Timothy and Diane of Greer South Carolina, Todd and Lisa of Houghton Canal and Indian River, Jeffrey and Monica of Chassell, Corey and Mandy of Houghton, Jamey and Liddy of Houghton Canal, Nicholas and Julie of Ishpeming, Ryan and Karmen of Atlantic Mine, and Rodney and Joanne of Houghton Canal.He is dearly loved and will be missed by 73 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, his half sister Grace Marie Schroff, and his life long buddy Ray Niemi.He is also survived by sisters and brothers in law, Millie Maki, Shirley Anderson, Pete and Helen Kinnunen, Milton and Louise Erva, and Marvin and Margaret Anderson.Friends may call on Saturday, February 9, 2013 from 4 to 7 pm and Sunday for one hour prior to the Service at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church on Sharon Avenue in Houghton which will be held at 2 pm Sunday Feb 10th. There will be a celebration of Jim's life this summer to be announced. The family would like to thank Dr. Jeff Huotari for all his sincere care of Jim. To view Jim's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements.Service Information To send flowers to the family of James Markham, please visit Tribute Store