James Richard Cayanus

He was born September 8, 1945, in L’Anse, son of Alfred and Dorothy (Sullivan) Cayanus. He graduated from Baraga High School in 1963. Jim joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Gordon, Georgia, Fort Lewis Washington and Dreaux Air Force Base in France.

While in service, he married Pauline Hautamaki on May 16, 1964 in Greenland. After the service he attended New Mexico State University and received an agricultural degree. He worked for the Cabot Corporation in Pampa, Texas, and returned to Michigan to work at White Pine Copper Mine. He retired from the L’Anse Area Schools as a bus driver and custodian.

He loved to hunt, fish, play cribbage, cook, and dance polkas. He was especially known for his famous chili and spaghetti. He loved country and Finnish music. He was friends with many musicians, especially the Oulu Hot Shots. While in France he sang onstage with country legend Little Jimmy Dickens and sang White Lightning. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He loved the hunting camp he and his son-in-laws built, “The Otter Lodge” spending 23 seasons there. He was a good person and always tried to help others. He loved friends stopping by to visit and have a cup of coffee.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline (Hautamaki) Cayanus, daughters, Laura (Les) Mackey, Susan (Todd) Ingram, Catherine (Todd) Maki all of Baraga; grandchildren, Britney House, Terrence (Alisha) Mackey, Dallas Maki, Gabriel (Dan) Brunet, Hunter Maki, Olivia (Matthew) Frantti, Ireland Ingram; great grandchildren Ayden Mackey, Tanner Mackey, Cambreigh Brunet, Dane Brunet, Henry Frantti; brothers, Peter (Linda) Cayanus, Frank (Jean) Gourneau, Max Gourneau, Roy (Jean) Gourneau; sister Linda (Lloyd) Kunich; brother-in-law John Hautamaki; aunts June Sullivan, Bernice Myllymaki; also numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Dorothy (Sullivan) Cayanus; twin daughters Janice Lee and Julie Ann; great grandson Hayden Prince House; brother Charles Cayanus; sister Jean Laux; brother-in-law Rudy laux; sister-in-law Arlene Gourneau; in-laws Waino and Martha (Lungi)Hautamaki; brothers-in-law Peter (Doris) Hautamaki, Richard (Sue) Hautamaki, and sister-in-law Ruby (Calvin) Wallace.

A spring graveside service will be held at the Alston Cemetery with military rites. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Jim’s guest book or send condolences at jacobsonfuneralhome.com.