James E. Mattila, 56
James Edward "Jim" Mattila, 56, of Hudson, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, at United Hospital in St. Paul. Jim was born on Jan. 18, 1952, in Superior, the son of Andrew Jr. and Phebe (Ferguson) Mattila.
James Edward "Jim" Mattila, 56, of Hudson, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, at United Hospital in St. Paul.
Jim was born on Jan. 18, 1952, in Superior, the son of Andrew Jr. and Phebe (Ferguson) Mattila.
He attended school at Superior Cathedral prior to graduating from Superior Senior High School in 1970. He furthered his schooling at the University Of Wisconsin-Superior.
He enlisted in the armed forces where he proudly served in the United States Coast Guard.
On June 18, 1977, he was united in marriage to Pam Johnsen at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Superior. This union would be blessed with two sons, Josh and Ben.
Jim began his career in law enforcement as a peace officer in the Douglas County jail. Following this, he became the first peace officer for the University Of Wisconsin-Stout. He worked there for a short time before becoming a deputy for the St. Croix County Highway Patrol which eventually became the Sheriff's Department.
Jim took great pride in serving the people of his community and was a dedicated deputy who had a calm demeanor yet carried a big stick. He was well respected by both the community and his peers. He also served as a peace officer instructor for WITC – Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College and CVTC – Chippewa Valley Technical College.
Throughout his life, Jim was also very active in youth sports. Jim coached hockey and football, sports he excelled in while growing up in Superior, for many years in both Menomonie and Hudson.
He coached many levels of hockey as the boys grew up and continued coaching after they left the program. His love and passion for hockey was apparent by the way he coached and spoke about the game. He also coached Booster football before, during and after the boys were involved. Jim played hockey himself in the adult league playing at Mankato and River Falls. Jim was also an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing.
Jim is survived by his wife Pam, sons Josh of Iowa City, Iowa, and Ben of Casper, Wyo; brothers, Tom (Laurie) Mattila of St. Paul, Joe Mattila of Duluth; sister, Julia (Baird) Montgomery of Superior; mother-in-law, Joyce Johnsen of Hudson; brothers/sisters-in-law, Steven (Rita) Johnsen of Superior, Terry (Claudia) Johnsen of Eagan, Minn.; as well as his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Jr. and Phebe (Ferguson) Mattila, and father-in-law, Loren Johnsen.
Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Bethel Lutheran Church, downtown, with Pastor Dennis Nelson officiating.
Burial with full military honors provided by the Hudson VFW and St. Croix County Sheriff Department was in the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson.
Visitation was Thursday, Jan. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson and one hour prior to the service at church on Friday.
Memorials are preferred.
Tags: obituaries, james, mattila, hudson
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