Jim ‘Tiger’ Bollone

Jim was born in Norway, and graduated from Norway-Vulcan High School. In 1966, he began working for the Department of Natural Resources at Fort Wilkins and the Porcupine Mountains. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam. After returning home, he resumed his work with the DNR and enjoyed a rewarding 40-year career.

Jim loved creating fishing access sites and had an innate talent for operating heavy equipment. He could read the land and build roads into the most challenging places, such as Bond Falls and many other natural areas. After retirement, he continued running heavy equipment for a local contractor and started a small business helping others design and create wildlife food plots.

Jim was bigger than life — kind, strong, hardworking, intelligent, and full of endless energy. He was often found helping friends or building something of his own. He cherished the family camp, Eagle’s Nest, and time spent with family and friends. A black belt in Tang Soo Do, he enjoyed competing in tournaments and teaching martial arts. He was also a force to be reckoned with in arm-wrestling competitions.

Hunting was one of Jim’s greatest passions. He loved telling the story of his high school coach asking if he would make it through the football season. Jim said “yes,” but when opening day of deer season arrived, he was gone hunting. Everyone knew that from September through January, Jim could be found in the woods. This past season, he pursued and harvested two remarkable bucks on the property he loved and groomed.

Jim was deeply proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He loved hearing about their adventures and accomplishments and was confident they would lead meaningful, successful lives.

He is survived by his wife, Kelley Multerer; daughters Jodi (Tony) Mortier and Misty (Nick) Bollone-Sorenson; grandchildren Hailey (Tanner) Walsh, Kurtis Reath, Kendall Johnson, Tori Sorenson, Kennedy Reath, Peyton Johnson, Lindsey Sorenson; sister Sharon (George) Pelkola; brother Robert (Brenda) Bollone; sisters-in-law Christine (Doug) Boutin and Marge (Roland) Multerer, brothers-in-law Bert (Tiffany) Multerer, Tony (Laura) Multerer and Greg (Cory) Multerer; as well as many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Bollone; mother Mary (Lajeunesse) Bollone; brother Jerry Bollone; his father- and mother-in-law, Albert and Barbara Multerer; and brother-in-law Charles Multerer.

Memorials may be directed to Oscar G. Johnson Medical Center Hospice Program, mail to: OGJVAMC, Attn: Voluntary Service, 325 E. H St., Iron Mountain, MI 49801

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Grace Methodist Church in Norway, with gathering at 9:30 a.m. Memories will be shared at 10 a.m., followed by a lunch. Guests are encouraged to wear camo in honor of Jim.