Louis James Gamelin, Jr.

Louis James Gamelin, Jr.  Obituary

Louis James “Jim” Gamelin, 82, formerly of Munising, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, afternoon, August 8, 2023, in Marinette, WI surrounded by his family.  Jim was born on January 21, 1941 in Munising, Michigan to Louis and Agnes Gamelin

Jim grew up in Munising, graduating from William G Mather High School in 1959.  Jim played on the football team all four years during high school, regaling us with all his stories and feats.  Jim enlisted in the US Army in January of 1960, and served both in active duty and the reserves until being honorably discharged in February of 1966.  He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, along with Marksmanship Badge.  On a trip to Milwaukee, Jim met the love of his life, Patti Boyak.  They were married on November 28, 1964.  They were married for 53 years until Patti’s death in 2018.  Jim was employed at Kimberly Clark in Munising for over 34 years, retiring in February of 1996 as head of logistics.   Jim coached little league baseball for many years, including his sons Louie, and Brian. Jim served on many boards and was very involved in the community.  Jim served two terms on The Munising High School Board of Education.  He was president of The Booster Club, served on the board of directors of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, along with The Munising Community Credit Union.  For many years, Jim was the secretary, along with Joe Burke, of the Munising Men’s Golf League.  Jim enjoyed golfing and bowling, especially with Patti.   They were a fixture at all their kid’s sporting events and activities, and later their grandchildren’s, as well.

After retirement, Jim and Patti traveled the country in their motorhome, discovering new places and new adventures.  They settled in Arkansas for a few years, then came back closer to home to spoil their grandchildren, who were near and dear to their heart.   Jim’s “dad jokes”, card playing expertise, and love of The Detroit Lions were always first and foremost.

Jim is survived by his sons Louis (Andrea) of Grand Ledge, MI, and Brian (Laurie) of Porterfield, WI.  Four grandchildren, Carissa Gamelin of Escanaba, MI; Matthew Gamelin of Allendale, MI; and Rachel and Bryce Gamelin of Porterfield, WI.  He is also survived by sisters Mary Jo Washam of Mayflower, AR, along with Bonnie Mannisto and Patty Whitaker of Gray Court, SC.  He is survived by in-laws Barbara Gamelin of Florida, Dick (Marianne) Boyak of St. Clair Shores, MI, Tom (Stella) Boyak of Munising, MI, Kathleen (Jerry) Hatke of Munising, MI, Susan (Ed) Yock, of Green Valley, (AZ), and Joannie (Bill) Janikowski of Temecula, CA.  He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and very special friends Bob and Marge Veriha.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Sr. and Agnes Gamelin, his wife Patti, and father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mercedes Boyak.  He was also preceded in death by his brothers Red, Tommy, and Bob Gamelin, Sister Judy Monhead, and brothers-in-laws Ernie Monhead, Roger Washam, and Bill Whitaker.

A private graveside service was held August 12th for the immediate family. Anyone wishing to honor Jim’s memory is asked to make a donation to the Aurora Medical Center - Bay Area’s Cancer Center in his name (Aurora Medical Center - Bay Area - Aurora Health Care Foundation ( aahgiving.org ).

“Roses are Red

The Lions wear Blue

Most people knew him as Jim Gamelin

But the most important ones knew him as Papa, too!”