John W. Jamar

John was born Oct. 23, 1929, in Duluth, Minn., the son of Warren and Lydia (Woodbridge) Jamar. After graduating high school, he enrolled in the ROTC program and earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University. While at Michigan Tech, John competed on the ROTC Rifle Team and earned his varsity letter as team captain.

Following his graduation, John served over seas from 1952-1956 in the United States Air Force as a first lieutenant.

He married the love of his life, Frances Lucille Edlund, on Sept. 7, 1957 in Iron River, the newlywed couple resided in Ironwood until 1959 and then Iron Mountain until 1967, after a few years in Hibbing, Minn. they returned to Iron Mountain. 

John and Fran moved to Houghton in 1984 when John accepted a position teaching for Michigan Technological University. 

After his retirement in 1995, they returned to Iron Mountain, where John continued to work for CCI Systems Inc. in Iron Mountain.  

John was a member of Kiwanis International from 1957 until becoming a founding member and treasurer of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Golden K, and also a former member of the Chippewa Club.

John has been active in his church over the years. He was chairman of the building committee when the new First Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain was built. He has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1995 and sang in the choir for many years.

John especially enjoyed participating as a “reading buddy” at the elementary school during his retirement years.

He was a talented engineer and designed and acted as general contractor for two of his homes. 

He also enjoyed hunting and camping with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; two children, Judy Jamar Jones of Lansdale, Penn., and John (Dianna) Jamar of Breitung Township; grandsons, Patrick Jamar and Michael Jamar; many wonderful nieces and nephews and a special niece, Mary Frances Fisher and her daughter, Olivia Girdzus.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Roy Jones, and two brothers, Warren and Dwight Jamar.

The family is grateful for the wonderful caregivers at Evergreen Assisted Living who made life better every day through their loving care.

Due to the restrictions of COVID-19, private family services are being held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Golden K Club or First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of John W. Jamar online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

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