James D. Rock

Born to Donald and Ada (Bartoletti) Rock on Oct. 3, 1941, in Iron Mountain, Jim graduated from Iron Mountain High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1961. He married Mary Gibson on April 4, 1964, at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kingsford. For the past 55 years he and Mary have been faithful members of American Martyrs Catholic Church.

In his youth, Jim fearlessly broke horses and was a Golden Gloves boxer. After graduating high school, he pursued technical training at Electronic Trade School in Milwaukee. Jim was a very hard worker and built a career working with Montgomery Wards, Paul Electric, and MJ Electric until ending his career with Werner Electric. Like a true Yooper, Jim enjoyed spending time outdoors — hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and spending time at camp on Chief Lake. In retirement, Jim enjoyed spending winters in Apache Junction, Ariz., embracing the warmth of the desert.

Above all, he was immensely proud of his grandchildren and cherished every moment with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary; two daughters, Kathy (Mike) Pelto of Brookfield, Wis., and Pamela (Dennis) Nelson of Kingsford; five grandchildren, Christine (Russ) Pietz, Andrew (Dr. Ali) Pelto, Amanda (Robb) Fisher, William Nelson, and Forrest (Chelsea) Nelson. He is also survived by his brothers, Duane (Vicky) Rock of Norway, David (Julie) Rock of Iron Mountain, and Albert Rock (Janice Besaw) of De Pere, Wis.; sister-in-law, Jeanne Doucette (Jay Hunter); and brother-in-law, Jack (Jan) Gibson.

Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara DeClark; brother-in-law Ken Wickman; and sister-in-law Pat Wickman, who passed away on Friday.

The family would like to thank the VA medical staff (hospice and palliative) for their outstanding care of Jim.

Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 19, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Kingsford Funeral Home, 1000 S. Carpenter Ave., Kingsford. A Memorial Mass will take place at 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Father Greg Heikkala will officiate. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

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

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