James Frederick “Jimmy” Shelifoe Jr., age 23, of Baraga, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Blaine, Minnesota, as a result of a traffic accident. Jimmy was born in Hancock on September 30, 1992, the son of Sharon Kantola and James F. Shelifoe Sr. He attended school in North Dakota. Jimmy had been a resident of the area for the past five years. He was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Jimmy had been with the KBIC Beartown Firefighters for a number of years and had also worked at Younggren’s in Covington.

Firefighters never hesitate. They run into extremely dangerous situations to fight fires and save people, and when another community anywhere in the country needs their help, they pack up their gear and head out with no questions asked. Jimmy was traveling with his fellow KBIC Beartown Firefighters to Utah to help fight the Box Canyon Fire when he passed on as a result of an automobile accident.

Jimmy was taken from us too soon, but we will always remember and honor him for his dedication to his job and community and his selfless act to help others in need.

We want everyone to know the protective bear, the easily passionate and amazing father we knew. What we got to witness every day. He enjoyed being outdoors, playing basketball, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, riding his dirt bike, and especially spending time with his family. We will keep Jimmy’s spirit strong by getting in the mud and dirt every year. We never stop celebrating him.

Jimmy is survived by his loving family, his mom, Sharon (Charles) Sliger of Covington; father, James F. Shelifoe Sr. of Baraga; daughter, Ciara Shelifoe of Baraga; brothers, Jordan Shelifoe of Baraga, Austin Shelifoe of Zeba, and Javon Shelifoe of Baraga; sisters, Virginia Shelifoe of Baraga and Jailyn Shelifoe of Baraga; grandparents, Robert and Sandra Kantola of Fargo, North Dakota, and Loren and Rose Kariainen of Covington; and niece, Aubree Hartzog. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Virginia Emery; his Auntie Brigitte Shelifoe; and his uncles, Gerald Shelifoe, Frederick Shelifoe, Jr., and Allen Shelifoe.