James L. Zupancich

James L. “Jim” Zupancich Sr., 88, of Ely, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Funeral services were held on Thursday, Oct. 22 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. Interment was at the Ely Cemetery following the service. The family appreciates the kindness of his wonderful friends and neighbors who were there for our dad over the years: Jim and Val, Joe, Harlee and family, Tony and Char, Butch and Tom. A special thank you to the care team at EBCH and the East Range Essentia Hospice Team. You have been a blessing to us. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church are appreciated. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his loving family: son, James Jr. (Andrea); daughters, Stacy (Steve) Nelson and Kelly (Mike) Mavetz; grandchildren, Kirsten (Logan) Traut, Jimmy Zupancich III, Alex and Erika Maple, Mackenzie and Grace Nelson, and Brooke, Morgan and Taylor Mavetz; great-grandchildren, Linc and Lux Traut; sister-in-law, Helen Koschak; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.