James Ahola

James E. Ahola, was a second generation Funeral Director, he was born and raised in Hancock, MI. He was a graduate of Hancock High School with the class of 1964, attended the former Soumi College in Hancock, and Michigan Technological University in Houghton, and was a graduate of the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1968. He also received the Val L. Beyers Citation while attending W.I.M.S. in Milwaukee for excellence in Practical Embalming. He was a member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock, having served previously as the Church Council President, and was a member of the Jacobsville Committee of the church. He was a member and a past President of Kiawanis Club of the Copper Country, the past Treasurer of the Wyandotte Hills Mens Golf League, and was a member of the Copper Country Lodge #135 F.& A.M., Keweenaw-Bay Shrine Club, the Ahmed Temple Shriners of Marquette. He was the North Hospital Chairman for the Keweenaw-Bay Shrine Club, and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #382 of Hancock. He married the former Christine G. Lindeman of Winona, MI, and was the father of 2 children: Connie Lynn and Neil James Ahola, Grandfather of Zachary James Ahola. He was a member of the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department for over 28 years, having served as their Fire Chief for 21 years. He was also past treasurer of the Copper Country Firefighters and the Upper Peninsula Fire Fighters Associations. Previously he has been on the Lions Clubs of Dollar Bay, South Range, and Hancock, the Copper Country United Way Board. The Salvation Army Board of Hancock, and was a member of the Hospital Board for the City of Hancock. He was also a former Exalted Ruler at Lodge #381 B.P.O.E. of Hancock, and was a member of the Lodge #404 B.P.O.E. of Calumet. He also is serving as Vice President of the Portage Health Systems Foundation Board. Jim has also had been very active in his chosen profession, having served as past Director for District #10(the Upper Peninsula) of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, and is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association.