James L. Hilger

James L. Hilger, age 90, of White Pine, Michigan passed away on June 2, 2021, at his home.

He was born in Ontonagon, MI to Vida M. Hilger (McGaughey) and James F. Hilger on August 9, 1930. James attended primary school in Rockland, MI and attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. James spent his youth in the woods hunting and fishing and helping his father conduct lumber surveys for his timber and pulp business. He spent his working career in operations and quality control in the semi-conductor specialty gas industry in Oakland, CA before retiring in 2006 and returning to the Upper Peninsula to fish the Bruno, Otter and Firesteel. He earned his black belt in karate and attended competitions as far as Japan. He was an avid “rockhound” and collected specimens of raw copper, silver and other semi-precious stones near the mines. James honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 1 Star and United Nations Service Medal.

James is preceded in death by his brother, Norman D. Hilger of Menominee, MI and his sister, Roberta C. Hilger of Menominee, MI

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements

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