James (Jim) Palokangas, age 94, passed away at his home in Menahga, MN, on October 21, 2026.

Jim was born in a house in Meadow Township on July 26, 1932, to Martin and Impie (Reini) Palokangas. He proudly served his country during the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Navy, including service aboard the USS Hornet and USS Midway. He later served in the Naval Reserves and Air Force Reserves. Jim worked as a machinist for Pako Corporation for over 24 years and later as an aircraft mechanic for Northwest Airlines until his retirement in 1996.

Jim was proud of his Finnish heritage and enjoyed speaking his native language with others, as well as visiting relatives in Finland, where he traveled seven times. He had a love for local history and enjoyed volunteering at the Menahga museum, sharing stories and visiting with others. Jim was also an avid runner and bicyclist. He participated in the annual St. Urho Run in Menahga for many years and, well into his 80s, regularly bicycled more than 1,000 miles each summer. Jim enjoyed a good conversation with family, friends, and the many people he met throughout his life.

Jim is survived by his children John (Denise) Palokangas, Chuck (Brenda) Palokangas, Tom (Karina) Palokangas, and Laura Aherns (Palokangas); stepdaughters Gail (Jeff) Clements and Sheila Reynolds; 11 grandchildren - Julia (Daniel Sarkiaho) Palokangas, Camille (Derek) Beauduy, Dana Cook, Libby (Brandt) Hintsala, Claire (Brent) Isaacs, Ty Palokangas, Mac Palokangas, Will (Danika) Palokangas, Jesse Aherns, Jacob (Rebecca) Aherns, and Jordan (Becca) Aherns; and 5 step grandchildren - Tera (Korey) Fritz, Whitney (Michael) Stine, Crista Weisbrod, Brandon (Allie) Troy, and Cody (Chelsea) Troy. He is also survived by his brothers Jack Palokangas and David (Vicki) Palokangas; 7 great-grandchildren; 11 step great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a host of brothers and sisters in faith.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Ellen Palokangas; his parents, Martin and Impie Palokangas; his sisters Mary Ellen Adams, Eloise Hepokoski and Sharon Burgau; his brother-in-law Paul Hepokoski; his sister-in-law Sharon Palokangas; and his first wife and mother of his children, Angie Miller.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Menahga Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral. Burial will follow at Meadowtown Cemetery.