James “Jim” E. Perala, age 80, passed away Saturday, December 14, 2019 at his home in Turtle Lake, WI.

Jim was born on September 26, 1939, in Superior, WI, to Einard and Aino (Antilla) Perala.  He grew up in Maple, WI, and graduated from Northwestern High School.  Jim married Jeanne Wartgow of Butternut, WI, on December 17, 1966. 

Jim worked his way through college as a deckhand on the iron ore boats in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior.  He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UW-Superior.  

Jim and Jeanne met when Jim was a teacher and coach in Butternut, WI.  The two of them first lived in Duluth and then settled in Barron, where they lived for nearly 40 years before retiring to their lake property in Turtle Lake.  Jim was known to keep in touch with old friends and family, earlier during summer visits and then in his later years by phone.  He returned every summer to the Butternut Pioneer Days festival to visit with friends, relatives, and former students, whom he was very fond of.  

He was employed by the Barron Area School District for 30 years as a math teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal.  He coached boys and girls basketball, cross-country, track, and golf.  He was known by his students as “Mr. P.” or “J.P.” and will be remembered as a mentor, teacher, administrator, coach, referee, good friend, neighbor, faithful Wisconsin sports fan, and all-around good guy. 

Jim was proud of his Finnish heritage and was a prime example of “Sisu,” the determination, grit, and resilience common with the Finns.  Jim enjoyed family and friends, visiting with his grandchildren, hunting at the “Metsä Kampää,” and spending time in the sauna.   He was a proud member of the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association.  He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Barron and a member of various organizations where he volunteered such as the Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Kiwanis, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and the Lions Club. 

Jim Perala is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Jeanne; son, Steve (Hilde) of Hermantown, MN and grandchildren, Graham and Iris; son, Scott (Petra) of Urdorf, Switzerland and granddaughters, Sophia and Philana; sisters, Julia (Gary) Blaisdell of Superior and Betty (Don) Aro of Superior; aunt, Lorraine (Perala) Korhonen and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Einard and Aino and brother, Elmer.

We will forever remember his laugh, and we will always know how much Jim was loved.

Funeral services for Jim Perala will be on Friday, December 27, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Barron with Rev. Michael Nielsen officiating.  Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2019 at the Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Barron County Retired Educator’s Association scholarship fund to support local high school graduates pursuing their education;  BCREA-Treasurer Sandy Steiner,  315 Circle Dr, Rice Lake, WI 54868.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Dec 17, 2019 8:28 am CST