With great sadness, the family of James Melford Asplund, 43, announces his passing on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
James was born May 19, 1982, in Fort Frances, Ontario, to Gregory and Janet (Pochailo) Asplund. He spent his youth in Fort Frances before moving to Emo as an adult.
Throughout his youth, James was very athletic, enjoying several sports, most notably hockey. He was especially proud to earn a spot on the FFHS Muskies hockey team. In his final year of high school hockey, James was named the team’s Captain and the FFHS Muskies went on to win the 2001 OFSAA A/AA Hockey Championship.
The greatest joy of James’ life were his daughters, Scarlett and Blaire. He was so happy to become a father and was incredibly proud of his girls. He was thrilled that the girls shared his love of hockey, and was excited to talk about their achievements on and off the ice.
James enjoyed spending time outdoors. As a child, his family spent many summers at their cabin with family and friends, fishing, water-skiing and swimming. James was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed guiding out of Shady Roost Lodge and his own outpost. Some of his favourite times were spent in a boat, in a blind or sitting around a campfire. James loved to visit – whether with family and friends or guests he guided. He could happily chat for hours, listening to the stories of others and sharing his own.
James is survived by his daughters Scarlett and Blaire Asplund, and their mother Kristyn. Also surviving are his Uncle Jim and Auntie Lori Pochailo, Auntie Barb Kircher, and cousins Christina (Chris) Green, Frank Pochailo, Nicole (Matthew) Bowering, and Ross (Colleen) Kircher.
He was predeceased by his parents Janet and Greg Asplund; his sister Lauren Asplund; grandparents Mel and Olga (Badiuk) Asplund, and Frank and Fern (Palm) Pochailo; and Uncle Jim and Auntie Linda (Pochailo) MacDonald.
A private family service will take place at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
