May 28, 1958 – March 31, 2026
James John “Jim” Koski, 67, of Tofte, Minnesota, passed away March 31, 2026, at Essentia Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, after a brief illness.
Jim was born on May 28, 1958, to John Joseph “Jack” Koski and Corinne Bennett Koski. He grew up in Crystal Falls, Michigan, attended Forest Park High School, and graduated in 1977. He was proud to be born and raised a “Yooper.”
The summer before graduation, Jim got a maintenance job on Isle Royale. It was a job he loved. After graduation, Jim bought a bus ticket to the North Shore of Minnesota, where his first job was helping with maintenance at the historic Lutsen Resort. After maintenance jobs through the years at area resorts and condominium associations, Jim went to work for an area propane company. While working there, he recognized a need in the area for repair and installation, so he started his propane installation and repair business. He operated it for years until the state of Minnesota made owning a small business economically difficult. Jim’s semi-retirement endeavors included maintenance and groundworks at area cabins and running a snowplowing business.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, John Koski, and stepfather, Ben Holm. He leaves behind his mother, Corinne Koski Holm of Crystal Falls, Michigan; a sister, Joni (Randy) Jarvis of Finland, Minnesota; a brother, J.B. (Lora) Koski of Rhinelander, Wisconsin; nieces, Katy Jarvis and Becky Thornton; nephews, Austin Jarvis and Tyler Koski; plus a bonus step niece, Siren, and step nephew, Brandon; a devoted special friend, Candy Latour; Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.
Jim always had a smile and was willing to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He dearly treasured his friends. His biggest pride and joy was his vertical log lodge, which he hauled piece by piece off an island in what is now the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. He prepared each piece carefully so that it could be reassembled on his property.
Jim’s wishes were for direct cremation, no service. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
