James "Heikki" W. Mannisto

Chatham

James “Heikki” Mannisto, age 64, of Chatham, died Monday, August 17, 2020 at UP Health Systems - Marquette following a year long battle with cancer.  He was born on September 23, 1955 in Munising, the ninth of ten children to George and Isabelle (Kelly) Mannisto.  Jim grew up on Koski Road and graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1974.  In 1976, he began employment as a laborer at Timber Products and became a millwright which was the job he held at his retirement after forty-three years of service.

Jim was a quiet homebody.  If he could start his day with a good cup of coffee, mow his lawn in the sun, and finish the day with a beer, he was happy.  Jim enjoyed a good sauna, hunting, camping, and anytime he could be outdoors.  He especially loved bringing his grandkids out for adventures around his pond.  In his free time, Jim would ride and work on his Harley Davidson and cheer for the New England Patriots (whom he was a fan of long before they won any Super Bowls).  Jim got to a point in his life where he was not sure that he would have children, but after the birth of his daughter Sarah, he realized how happy and proud he could be to become a father.

Jim is survived by his daughter – Sarah Mannisto of AuTrain; step-children -  Heather Root, Wayne, Heidi and Jake Johnson; grandchildren – Ryder and Aubrianna Kroupa, Tessa and Alex Root, Joey, Kailee, and Halle Thiessen, and Caleb and Manny Johnson; siblings – George (Millie) Mannisto, Mary Thompson, Howard (Tina) Mannisto, Harold (Sally) Mannisto, Ken Mannisto, Ta Buckmaster, and T.D. (Steve) Rochefort; brother-in-law -Dick Root; and numerous nieces and nephews including Bobby and Mikey Reimer and Rich Root.  He was preceded in death by his parents; longtime companion – Cecile Goodrich; and brother and sister – Charles “Pete” Mannisto and Hilma Root.

No services are planned at this time.