James Arthur Erkkila

James Arthur Erkkila, 64, of Babbitt, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Babbitt Carefree Living. Jim was born on March 12, 1962, in Virginia, Mn to Arthur and Dorothy (Chiabotti) Erkkila. He was the youngest of four children and was affectionately nicknamed “Blister,” because he always seemed to show up when the work was done, a title he carried with humor throughout his life.

Jim attended Babbitt High School before enlisting in the Minnesota Army National Guard. He met the love of his life, Delores “Dee” Stimpson, and the two were married in 1988 at Brooklyn Park before eventually making their home in Babbitt, next door to the family homestead. Though they never had children of their own, Jim and Dee opened their hearts and home to two foreign exchange students from Germany, Bjorn Scholtz and Norma Zippen, relationships they cherished and maintained over the years.

Jim loved fishing no matter the season or the weather with his fishing buddy Joey Dale. Whether on the boat in the summer or on the ice in winter, fishing brought him happiness. After Dee’s passing he spent much of his free time fishing or tinkering in the garage with his brother Jack.

Over the years, Jim worked for Marvin Windows, Bertucci Heating and Cooling, and later spent 20 years in the maintenance department at Fortune Bay Resort Casino until retiring in 2021.

Jim is survived by his siblings, Kathy, (Gary) Dale of Warroad, Monica (Rob)Curtiss of Babbitt, nephews Gerald (Katie) Dale of Warroad, Chad (Janel) Dale of Roseau , Jim (Kristen) Lesemann of Proctor, nieces Pam Lesemann of Mounds View and Emily (Craig) Seliskar of Ely, and several great nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy Erkkila, his brother, Jack Erkkila and his wife, Dee Erkkila.

He will be remembered for his humor, kind heart, love of the outdoors, and devotion to family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on June 5, 2026 at 11 AM at Saint Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt and burial in Argo Cemetery. Visitation will take place one hour prior to service at 10 AM. A reception will follow the service in the church basement.