Iron River - James J. Haggard, 77, of Iron River, Mich., passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, Wisc.

James was born on November 11, 1945, in Stambaugh, Mich., to the late Clyde and Hilda (Nordlander) Haggard. He grew up in Iron River and was a graduate of Iron River High School, class of 1966. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1970. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1968 until 1970 during his military service. He moved to White Pine in 1970 and worked for White Pine Mine until his retirement in 1995. James married Lois Byrd on November 11, 1972, and they remained lifelong friends after their divorce in 2005.

He was a member of the VFW Ottawa Post 3134 and American Legion Post 21 in Iron River. He was an avid hunter who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

James is survived by his sons, Jeff Haggard, and Shawn Haggard; grandchildren, Erik Haggard, Pearl Haggard, Alex Cameron, Kayla Haggard, and Adam Haggard; great-grandchildren, Oakley Haggard and Waylon Haggard; sisters, Susan Hooper and Maureen Haggard; and lifelong friend, Lois (Byrd) Haggard.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Clyde Haggard, Jr.

A Celebration of James’ life will be announced at a later date.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to James’ family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, Mich., to honor James’ legacy of life.