James R. Laydon

Jim was born on Aug. 7, 1957, in Iron Mountain, the son of Gordon and Delores (Rubbo) Laydon. He graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1975 and married his high school sweetheart, Mel (Applin) Laydon in 1977.

Jim attended Lake Superior College, graduating in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology. He furthered his education, earning his master of business administration from California Polytechnic University.

Jim founded his own company, Laydon Technology, Inc., and worked out of his home for many years as a design engineer. He was currently employed at Trident Maritime Systems, LLC, as director of Production Services.

Jim served on the Iron Mountain School Board for four years and was a founding member of the first IMHS Academic Booster Club. He helped initiate the F.I.R.S.T. Club, an investment club, 25 years ago. Jim enjoyed his monthly meetings and in spite of themselves, the group was able to eke out a small gain over the years. His co-members have said they will not only miss his role in the spirited and lively discussions during their meetings, but also his lead in the many adventures that occurred after.

Jim was an avid supporter of the soccer programs, coaching at the high school level, but more intensively for the Niagara Northern Stars Soccer Club for over 15 years, serving as the current president since 2018. He was passionate to pass the love and knowledge of the game onto so many over the years and gave of his time freely to assist anyone who wanted to improve their skills. He spent countless hours on the road supporting his grandson and the game he loved. He also was a huge Manchester United fan, rooting them on in every match.

Above all, Jim was first and foremost, a family man. His wife, children and grandchildren meant the world to him. He attended all sporting events and he thrived on intense competition with Gavyn in a game of Casino and challenged Ryken in every board game possible. He passed along his love of camp and nature onto his whole family, with a tremendous amount of time spent by a campfire and enjoying family meals and cookouts. He enjoyed traveling to see his daughter, Ashlie, as often as he could. He crossed many people’s path in life, whether it was work-related or doing what he enjoyed, but he had a lasting impact on them with his kindness, generosity and good-hearted nature.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mel Laydon of Iron Mountain; his son, Adam (Danielle) Laydon of Iron Mountain; his daughter, Ashlie Laydon (Garren Andrews) of Bingen, Wash.; his grandsons, Gavyn and Ryken Laydon; and his brother, John Laydon of Spread Eagle.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Delores and Gordon Laydon.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a cause near and dear to Jim’s heart – The Niagara Northern Stars Soccer Club, P.O. Box 303, Niagara, WI 54151.

Visitation will be held 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

Services will follow at noon at the funeral home. Rev. Kevin Sullivan will officiate. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of James R. Laydon online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.