James Jokela

James E. Jokela, 71, of Brainerd, died Monday, October 03, 2011 at Good Samaritan Society - Bethany. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1:00 PM, Saturday October 8, 2011 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter with Pastor Lilja Behr officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 11:30 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Good Samaritan Society Hospice.

James was born January 13, 1940, in Brainerd, the son of Edward and Pearl (Johnson) Smiglewski. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Army. James worked for Potlatch for over 39 years as a draftsman. He was an avid collector of John Deere tractors, implements, and gas engines. He created photography and cartoon art that was published, as well as writing a number of articles for The Green Magazine. He enjoyed American War history. He spent time traveling to the Black Hills, Alaska, and numerous tractor shows. He was also fond of hunting, fishing, playing the guitar and singing.

He will be missed by his wife, Vida; his loving children, Tyrone (Lynne) Umlauf, Shelley (Mark) Stange, Rita (David) Linder, and Michelle (Mark) Andrews; sister, Gail (Tony) Perna; grandchildren, Michael, Justin, Jaime, Emmett, Nicholas, Brock, Isaac, Isaiah, and Taisha; and great-grandchildren, Nathan and Josh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Edward; his adoptive parents, Carl "Charlie" and Esther (Johnson) Jokela; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.