James Raffaelli

He was born to parents Mario and Lillian (Lewis) Raffaelli, on Jan. 14, 1946, in South Range. Jim was raised in South Range and was a graduate of Jeffers High School class of 1964.

Following high school, Jim worked as a mechanic and equipment operator for the Village of South Range. He then began a 40-year career in Law enforcement. Jim was first employed with Adams Township, being a one-person police force, before moving to the City of Houghton, from which he retired as Sergeant. During that time, he was active with the Thin Blue Line UP

Ride for the State of Michigan.

In 1970, Jim was united in marriage to Sandra Seppala, with whom he shared three children. They parted in 1979. On Aug. 30, 1991, he was united in

marriage to Laurie Brandt. The couple had made their home in South Range.

Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles, four wheeling, brook trout fishing and was a backyard inventor who enjoyed fixing anything broken. He also enjoyed driving around the area, socializing at his favorite restaurants, and visiting with family and friends.

Jim was active with the Copper Range Historical Society.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his brothers, Edward, Robert and Ralph; along with his mother and father-in-law, Richard and Rhoda Brandt; and brother-in-law, Glenn Hayrynen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Laurie Raffaelli; and children, Gary (Emily) Raffaelli of Baltic, Scott (Aimee) Raffaelli of Chassell, Kevin Raffaelli of Colorado Springs, and Lucas (Mary) Brandt of Houghton; his grandchildren, Louis, Pearl, and Macy; his sisters-in-law, Debra (Chester) Pindral of Painesdale, LuAnn (Terry Patterson) Hayrynen of Misery Bay, Sherri (Tom

Pietila) Brandt of Donken, Jennifer (Darrin) Luukkonen of Toivola, Barbara Raffaelli of Houghton, Pauline Raffaelli of Wakefield; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and special people, Keith and Darlene Raffaelli of Lake Linden and Sally Rule of Houghton.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range.  Burial will be in the Mt. View Cemetery of South Range at a later date.  Friends may call on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

To view Jim’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit

www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range has been assisting the family with the arrangements.