James Alan Klungness

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Jacqueline, of Spread Eagle; his son, Kraig Alan Klungness (Kate Alvord) and daughter, Barbara Klungness Anderson (Ron) both of Houghton; three grandchildren, Nelson Sommerfeldt (Melanie), Christine Sommerfeldt Cone (Josh) and Lorna Sommerfeldt (Bryan Quello); and three great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Verle Ruth Klungness, who passed in January 2004.

Jim Klungness was born on Feb. 23, 1927, to Thea and Alfred Klungness of Kingsford. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1944 and entered the US Navy during WWII specializing in naval electronics. Upon discharge he attended Michigan Tech University in the electrical engineering program, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. In 1951 James married Verle Ruth Anderson, daughter of Ruth and Ivar Anderson of Iron Mountain.

After college, Jim began managing his parent’s business, K&G Appliance and Gas Co. of Iron Mountain, and started Klungness Electronic Supply. As television became more popular, Jim became an early entrepreneur in the cable television industry, eventually serving a term as president of the American Cable Television Association.

In the early 1960s, James and his business partner, Charles Henry of Iron Mountain, built Iron Mountain’s first cable TV system. They went on to found Cable Constructors Inc. (CCI) which specialized in constructing cable TV systems regionally and eventually nationally. They also started American Microwave and Communications which developed and owned cable TV and microwave transmission facilities in multiple regions. James and Charles also co-owned Superior Aviation and WMIQ Radio.

Jim had a great interest in and enthusiasm for supporting higher education. He was a member of the Iron Mountain Board of Education from 1967 through 1975, serving as its president for part of that time. He set up and funded ongoing scholarship programs at Michigan Tech University and Albion College, as well as providing direct financial support. James served on various project committees at Michigan Tech and was on the board of directors for Albion College. In 1999 he gave the commencement address at Michigan Tech and received an honorary Ph.D. in electrical engineering.

Jim loved keeping a vegetable garden and thoroughly enjoyed the fresh produce it provided. He had a keen interest in architecture and enjoyed international travel.

A Celebration of Life will be 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, July 22 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Please join us in remembrance of James Klungness.

In lieu of flowers, we would love to have donations made to The Caring House of Iron Mountain and the local YMCA.

Condolences to the family of James Klungness may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.