James Peebles

James was born on Nov. 10, 1943, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Marvin Peebles and Dorothy (Gardner) Peebles/Oien, and stepson of the late Frank Oien.

He graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1961 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He married Darlene Larson on Sept. 22, 1962, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Norway.

James was employed at Johnson Controls in Milwaukee for 10 years. He then moved back to his hometown of Iron Mountain in 1973 and joined his stepfather in the retail business, Oien’s Interiors. He later acquired the business until his retirement in 2020. He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

James was always on the move and never sat still for very long. During his younger years, he proudly played football for the Mountaineers and enjoyed waterskiing at his cottage on Hamilton Lakes. In his later years, he enjoyed jogging, snowmobiling, gardening and long walks on his property. He and his wife also spent many evenings tearing up the dance floor. Most of all, James loved to spend time with his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

James is survived by his wife of 63 years, Darlene; three children, Lori (Alan) Unger, Shari (John) VanRemortel, both of Breitung Township, and Michael Peebles of Phoenix, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Lindsay (Steve) Rigoni, Kristin (Zach) Dorothy, Alison (Caleb) Bray, and Bradley VanRemortel; six great-grandchildren, Anthony and Claire Rigoni, Alanna Dorothy, Ellis, Adaline and Violet Bray; a sister-in-law, Carol Trekas; and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Darlene Lindstrom; and two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Lindstrom and Larry Trekas.

A private family celebration of life will be held.

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

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