James M. Niemi

Visitation for James "Jim" M. Niemi, 57, of Palo, will be from 2-5pm Sunday January 5, 2014 at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Jim died Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at his residence. He was born March 22, 1956 in Virginia, MN to Russell and Lucille (Anderson) Niemi. Jim was a 1974 graduate of Aurora/Hoyt Lakes High School and later worked for Premier Aggregates as an equipment operator for nearly 15 years. On July 19, 1980 he married Sharon McGinnis in Hoyt Lakes. Jim and Sharon worked as Managers of Giants Ridge for nearly five years prior to the State of MN acquiring the Ridge. Jim continued working as an equipment operator for Ulland Brothers for 22 years and from 2008 until his illness, he worked for Magnetation as Project Coordinator. Jim was an avid hunter and enjoyed times spent hunting with close friends. Survivors include his wife, Sharon; children: Michael (Amanda Bluhm) Niemi of Eveleth and Andrea Niemi of St. Cloud; granddaughter, Abigail Niemi; parents, Russell and Lucille Niemi of Palo; sisters: Laureen Garman-Copeland of New York and Cheryl (Ronald) Hill of Palo; several nieces and nephews.