IRONWOOD, Mich. - James Nadreau “Jim” Huss, 88, of Ironwood, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Born and raised in Ironwood, Jim spent his entire life in the community he loved, leaving a legacy defined by hard work, civic devotion and an unshakeable love for his family.

Jim was born on Sept. 18, 1937, the second of five children born to John Wellington “Wally” and Lois M. (Erspamer) Huss. He graduated from St. Ambrose High School in 1955 and went on to attend Gogebic Community College and Michigan Technological University. He served in the Michigan National Guard for a number of years before building his career in business.

On Aug. 4, 1962, he married Judith “Judy” Osterman, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades.

Jim was a businessman in the truest sense. He joined his father in operating J.W. Huss, Incorporated Realty and carried the business forward as its sole owner after his father’s retirement. He also co-owned and operated Erspamer’s Supermarket in Hurley for 11 years alongside Judy. He retired in 2002, though his retirement was anything but idle.

A devout Catholic, Jim was a longtime parishioner who served as an usher at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church for many years, attending services even during his final month in the nursing home.

A man of deep community commitment, Jim served on and chaired numerous boards and organizations throughout his life, including the Gogebic County EDC, the Ironwood EDC, the Ironwood Elks, the Upper Peninsula Board of Realtors, the Ironwood Jaycees, the American Legion, the Range Sportsman’s Club, the Ironwood Rotary Club and the Board of the Gogebic Range Ski Corporation (Copper Peak). He gave generously of his time and talents to the place he called home. Among the proudest moments of his civic life, Jim and Judy were part of the group that represented the region by assisting with scoring the ski jumping competition at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.

Outside of work and civic life, Jim’s greatest passion was gunsmithing — a craft he pursued with the precision and care he brought to everything. He loved motorcycle touring, shooting sports, the outdoors and photography. His true “happy place” was the cabin on the shores of Lake Superior. In retirement, one of his most treasured rituals was meeting his circle of friends each morning for coffee — simple, steady and full of good company.

Jim is survived by his wife, Judy; three children, Carl Huss (Carianne), Jayne Silveira (Ed) and Erica Huss; five grandchildren, Jaymes Silveira, Tesh-Ann Silveira, Rocky Sholl, Shane Melnick and Amber Melnick; two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Matthew Melnick; his siblings, Jerry Huss (Pam), Joyce Myefski and Joseph Huss (Denise); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Huss; a grandson, Joseph Sholl; and his brother-in-law, John Myefski.

Jim Huss was a cornerstone — of his family, his business community and the city of Ironwood. He will be deeply missed and long remembered.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, July 9, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 108 S. Marquette St., in Ironwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Very Rev. Brian C. Gerber, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

Luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Gogebic Community College Foundation, E4946 Jackson Road, Ironwood, MI 49938, in Jim’s honor.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com