James "Jim" Katila, 76, of Orr, MN (Vermilion Dam area) passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018 with his loving wife by his side.

Jim was born on July 20, 1941 to John and Patricia (Siren) Katila in New Castle Pennsylvania. Jim spent several years there until his family moved back to his mother's hometown of Virginia MN. A year later, when Jim was around 13, the family relocated in Orr, MN. Jim attended school and graduated Orr High School in 1959. Later that same fall he entered the University of Minnesota, working toward an Electrical Engineering Degree. In 1963 he was united in marriage to Sandy Alsaker in Wheaton, MN. They made their home in the Twin Cities for the next 13 years, moved to Glyndon, MN for 21 years, and then moved to the Vermillion Dam area in 1997, where they have remained since. During this time, Jim had a full career working as an Electrical Engineer. He worked for 3M for 10 years, Picker X-Ray and then DMS X-Ray where he installed and maintained the X-Ray and Ultrasound machinery.  During his time in Glyndon, he obtained a private pilot's license to fly to job sites in the area he covered.  He remained with DMS X-Ray until his retirement in the early 90's.  Not one to remain idle, Jim kept busy stump grinding and wood chipping in the area.

Jim loved to take boat rides on local lakes and he and Sandy also loved to camp. They spent 25 years camping and enjoying the summers on Namakan Lake. Jim was also a proud member of a Military Police Unit of the Minnesota National Guard from 1966-1972.  He enjoyed music, especially Folk and Irish tunes, and was often called upon to sing at funerals and weddings.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sandy Katila; his sister-in-law, Donna Peickert; nieces, Colleen (John) Stodolka and Leslie (George) Kroker; cousins Pat Asuma, Don Toivola, Butch Toivola, Keith Toivola, Lynn Toivola, Kay Masley, Robert Rombach, John Rombach, Gail Guevara, David Rombach and numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his Aunts Elaine Toivola and Dagney Rombach; his in-laws, Edla and Conrad Alsaker; and his brother-in-law, Elwood Alsaker.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 2:00PM at Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Military Honors will be accorded by the Cook VFW Post #1757 Honor Guard and the Orr American Legion Post #480 Honor Guard. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com .  Donations to the Cancer Society are preferred in lieu of flowers.