James Einar Hanttula, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away peacefully Monday, May 5, 2025, with his three youngest children and daughter-in-law by his side.

Jim was born February 23, 1942, in Pontiac, MI to Einer and Bertha Hanttula.  After he graduated from high school in 1960, he enrolled at Michigan Tech University for a few years to seek a geology degree and then decided to enlist in the United States Army.  The Army took him to Hawaii, Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, AK, and Fort Gordon near Augusta, GA.  While stationed at Fort Gordon, he met his wife, Bobbie.  They married on March 26, 1969 and moved back to Houghton, MI so he could complete his Geology degree.  After graduating, Jim and his family spent the next 12 years traveling around the country for work before settling in the Grand Rapids area in 1981.

Jim's life was devoted to his family and considered them his greatest accomplishment.  He loved quietly yet fiercely.  His love of reading, exploring, and travel took him to all 50 states, most of Canada, Israel, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.  He was an avid rock collector and would "boldly go where no man has gone before" for that special rock he needed for his beloved collection.  Jim was also active in his community and church.  He was the Mayor of LaPrairie for two terms and served on several church committees through the years as a member of the United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids.  His favorite and most fulfilling work was with the church Missions Committee and ASON International; however, he was willing to help any organizations he could.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Roberta "Bobbie" Hanttula; daughter, Kathy Warlick; granddaughter, Amber Fisher; and nephew, Nicholas Hanttula.

He is survived by five children, Victor (Alexis) Hanttula, Cohasset, MN, James (Angie) Hanttula, Bovey, MN, Paula (Billy) Hanttula-Johnson, Nashwauk, MN, David Fisher, Fayetteville, NC, and Joseph (Nina) Fisher, Ewing, NJ; twelve grandchildren, Tanner and Josie Hanttula, Robert and Jeremy Jackson, Nathan, Jacie, and Jacob Fisher, Zackery Fisher, Jada and Paige Dudley, and Sarina and Eric Johnson; twelve great grandchildren; brother, Richard Hanttula, Melbourne, FL; sister, Jean Lewis, Las Vegas, NV; nieces, Amy DeCatur, Melbourne, FL, and Kirsten Lewis, Las Vegas, NV; two great nieces, Jenni and Sydney DeCatur and great nephew, Liam Lewis.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 16, 2025 at the United Methodist Church, Grand Rapids, MN beginning at 10:00 AM and lasting until the 11:00 AM memorial service.  A private burial will be held on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a garden plant be donated to the United Methodist Church plant sale on May 28, 2025 or a monetary donation be made to the church Missions Committee.