Luoma’s legacy
Legendary Houghton coach/educator dies
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HOUGHTON - As October came to an end, so did the life of Jim Luoma whose career with Houghton-Portage Township Schools spanned three decades.
Anders Hill, Superintendent for Houghton-Portage Township Schools said, "Mr. Luoma was a teacher here for 24 years, he started in 1980, and then a middle school principal for six years, so 30 years in the district. He was a great leader and a great man. We're thinking of his family and the loss; it's a sad day."
Julie Filpus, H-PT middle school principal worked closely with Luoma for much of his career. "I taught math across the hall from Jim for many years. Former students would comment about the energy and enthusiasm he brought to science. I know how he taught the scientific method, and remember him having students reciting the different pieces to it all year long."
"My favorite memory of Jim," said Filpus, "was the colleague time in between classes, in the halls. We would talk about coaching, he talked a lot about his family and his children. Just joking around and bonding as an 8th grade team would be the top of my list. Great memories, and his was a life that ended too soon."
"I knew Jim mostly as a teacher, but also as a coach and administrator," Filpus continued. When Luoma retired from the principal position at the Houghton-Portage Township middle school in 2013, Filpus actually left her position as principal of the high school to take over from him and holds the position still. "He was a very passionate person and he poured his heart into his work. I always felt he kept his student's best interest at the center of his focus."
Hill echoed the sentiment, saying, "I consistently hear stories about the great educator and leader he was. He made a difference and helped shape generations of students that came out of Houghton-Portage Township Schools."
For nine years, Luoma coached football at the high school. Hill said, "He had four Copper Bowl wins and one conference championship. Actually, he was the last coach to have a conference championship in varsity football here in Houghton. He's remembered as a winning coach who inspired a lot of his players."
Filpus added, "Jim, as a swimming teacher, as a science teacher, as a coach, really believed and wanted everyone to learn, and everyone to get it, and everyone to feel comfortable. He challenged students and encouraged them, and that is something that has really stuck with me. He was for everyone."
Luoma's legacy can be seen in the football records, in former students speaking highly of him, in former colleagues admiring him, and in the presence of current teachers inspired by him to teach. Hill added, "He was a presence around the district and somebody whose footprint loomed large on our district. We still have his daughter-in-law teaching here, his son is teaching in the district. He's inspired educators and we're thankful for the work he did for our district and our students and helping to support education in our community."
Across the classroom, the football field and the halls of Houghton-Portage Township Schools, Luoma's enthusiasm and commitment left a lasting mark. Though his loss is deeply felt by his family, colleagues, former students and the wider community, the generations he encouraged--and the educators he inspired--will carry his legacy forward for years to come. A full obituary with additional life details, service information, and tributes is forthcoming and will be announced by Koskey Funeral Home of Negaunee.