James Arthur Schliep passed away Sept. 9, 2019, at the age of 84.
He was born in Ladysmith, Wis. to Art and Lavern Schliep. In his early years his family purchased Clearwater Lodge on the Gunflint Trail. Jim worked and guided fishing trips for the lodge.
He attended and graduated from Cook County High School. Jim played football and was on the Sawtooth Mountain ski team.
Jim and Mary Tormondsen were married in Tofte on July 28, 1956. They resided in Tofte and together they had three boys.
Jim worked on the construction of the Taconite Harbor. Then he worked in the power plant, eventually becoming a foreman. His career at the plant spanned 32 years.
After retirement he began his own construction company. He built roads, septic systems, and enjoyed running his machinery. In 1997 Jim and Mary relocated and built a home on Devil Track Lake.
Jim lived an active life. He was a pilot, skied, fished, hunted, created wooden items in his workshop, and played the accordion. He played his accordion with the Host-Fest Accordion Band, which consisted of a membership of 200 accordion players. He also played for polka church services and for the Sons of Norway.
Jim and Mary enjoyed traveling in their motor home. The last 12 winters they would travel to Tavares, Florida and stay in their winter home. They spent many summers on Isle Royale. Wherever Jim and Mary went, their accordions went with them. They enjoyed playing for family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by parents Art and Lavern; and sister-in-law Barb Schliep.
He is survived by his wife Mary and sons Peter (Dena), Kelly (Gina) and Tim; five grandchildren, Matthew (Linnea) Schliep, Gianna Schliep, Malorie (Jorey) Brazell, Jory Schliep, and Mikala Schliep; and brothers Jerry, Herman (Gayle) and Don (Sue) Schliep.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.
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