James R. “Jim” Schoolcraft, 89, of Black River Falls passed away Saturday, July 12, 2008, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tomah. Before Jim was admitted to the Tomah VA, he was at home under the care of Black River Hospice.
He was born in the Town of Adams, Jackson County, February 16, 1919, to Harry and Nellie (Thompson) Schoolcraft. Jim grew up in the Black River Falls area. He entered the Army June 8, 1941, and served in the European Theatre during World War II. Jim was involved in seven invasions and was wounded twice. He received a purple heart and was discharged August 2, 1945.
He was united in marriage June 8, 1946, to Mildred Ronning of Melrose. Jim and Mildred lived their whole married lives, 62 years, in the Black River Falls area.
Jim worked for the Jackson County Highway Department and for the Black River Falls City Street Department for 40 years. The last 15 years with the city street department he served as superintendent of public works before retiring in 1983.
Jim and Mildred enjoyed traveling, especially to the western states, and when the grandchildren were old enough, they took them along also.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing and getting together with friends for coffee. He was a member of the Black River Falls United Methodist Church and of the Black River Falls DAV Chapter 61.
Jim will be greatly missed by his family and many friends he has made over the years.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred; one daughter, Eileen (Kenneth) Kuhn of Neillsville, WI; Three grandchildren, Julie Kuhn of Neillsville, Christopher (Jessica) Kuhn of Waupun and Steven Kuhn, of Chicago, IL; five great-grand-children, Mykayla, Alexa, Mason, Marcus and Connor Kuhn, all of Waupun; one brother, Harvey Schoolcraft of Black River Falls; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Nellie; one brother, Murray Schoolcraft; five sisters, Leah Stenulson, Blanch Olson, Phyllis Davis, Helen Peterson and Verna Janke.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 1 p.m. at the Black River Falls Methodist Church, Black River Falls. Rev. Kathleen Jury will be officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls.
Family and friends were invited for visitation Tuesday, July 15, 2008, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Family and friends are also invited for visitation Wednesday from noon until the services at the church.
Memorials may be given to Black River Hospice or the Black River Falls United Methodist Church.
Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.net.