James Jaekels Obituary

James Planert Jaekels, 62, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, surrounded by his family. He was born in Milwaukee on February 8, 1950, and soon thereafter moved to Green Bay with his parents, John C. and Mary Lou Jaekels. He lived in the Green Bay area most of his life and currently resided in the Oconto area. He attended Cathedral Grade School, Premontre High School (Class of 1968), and Northern Michigan University (Class of 1972).

Jim loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed many outdoor adventures with his dad, brother, family and friends. He lived along the Oconto River and spent much time there enjoying nature. He often participated in summer riverfloats with family and friends. More recently, he was especially fond of summer cruises with his wife, Mary, on the family boat, the "Lazy Lu", and kayaking with Mary on Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

Jim was a free spirit who often approached life in a unique and unconventional way. He was a kind, generous and gentle man. He studied art and was a meticulous and talented craftsman and carpenter. He took great pride in his work.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Bries) Jaekels, and his mother, Mary Lou (Planert) Jaekels. He was predeceased by his father, the Honorable John C. Jaekels, and his father-in-law, Donald Bries. He is also survived by five sisters and a brother, Judy (Terry) Watermolen, Mary Jo (Mike) Johnson, Jeff (Anne) Jaekels, Sue (Steve) Klinkner, Sally (Bill) Jansen, and Laurie (Jim) McCartney; his mother-in-law, Dorothy (Welsing) Bries; five brothers-in-law, Eric (Grace) Bries, Paul Bries, Mark Bries, Glen (Michele) Bries, and Lorne Bries; many nieces and nephews; and his four-legged friends, Cleopatra, Rose and Stewy.

Visitation will be held at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason Street in Green Bay on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon Saturday at the funeral home with Reverend Rowland De Peaux, O. Praem officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.

Jim's family expresses their deep appreciation to the dedicated surgeons, assistants, nurses and staff of St. Vincent Hospital, and especially The Heart Center.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette from Apr. 19 to Apr. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for James Jaekels

14 Entries

Jo Dulan

April 14, 2021

I still remember.

Christina Lindblom-Mitchell

April 27, 2012

Mary~ I was so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He, Jo Dulan , Debbie Boucher and I were great friends at NMU. Jim spent a lot of time with us and was always such a joy to be with. Jim helped me with numbers of illustrations for my music courses. I haven't been in contact with Jim since he graduated but have always remembered him as a sweet and talented artist. I'm so sorry he has left us. My thoughts are with you.

Jo Dulan

April 26, 2012

Mary, although we have never met, I offer you my deepest condolences for you loss. Jim and I attended NMU together. I have not seen him in years, but have often thought of him--wondering where he was and what he was doing. We all had such great fun during the NMU days. I can still see him wafting across the quad in his long black cape and long, curly blonde hair. He was a sight to behold. When one of our mutual friends (Debbie Boucher) forwarded me his obituary, I saw the Jim I had know looking back at me through those startling blue eyes.

I am so happy he continued his craft. He was a fine artist. And I am equally happy he found you and maintained his free spirited nature. And, of course, I am not a bit surprised that his beloved animals were included in his obituary. At NMU, he had a black dog named Tanya, whose eyes were nearly as shockingly blue as his were.

I will not forget him.

Jo Dulan

Sue Rosenkranz

April 23, 2012

Dear Aunt Mary Jo & "Milwaukee cousins": Please accept my condolences on behalf of the Rosenkranz family. Our prayers are with you.

April 21, 2012

Mary, family, & all special pets,
Could not believe it, am so very sorry for your loss. The message posted was so eloquently stated, Jim was a special person & I am honored to have known him the little I did. He always reminded me of a person "who does it my way". He will not be forgotten. We offer prayers for your strength and healing.
Pearl & Ken Webster

mary bessett

April 21, 2012

Mary my deepest sympathy to you.

April 20, 2012

Dear Laurie and Jim,

We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Please let Mary know that are prayers are with her and all of you.

Love, Mark and Jill Schumacher

April 20, 2012

Mary, so sorry for your loss. Know that I am here if you need anything! Love & prayers to you & family.
Michelle Falk-Baron & family

Gail(Bries) & Pat Kohn

April 20, 2012

Mary and Family, Please accept our deepest condolences and know that we are thinking of you.

Suzy (Breitenbach) Becker

April 20, 2012

Dear Aunt Lou and Cousins,

Please know you are all in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

An old photo from Fish Creek - with wonderful memories - is attached. It's fuzzy and a little worn, and precious -like the best old times.

Al & Paula Dupont

April 20, 2012

Dear Laurie & family,

So sorry to hear of your loss. You have our deepest sympathy.

Al & Paula Dupont

April 20, 2012

Dear Mary & family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Jim was far too young to pass on.

Bette Stein

April 20, 2012

Mary, I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Jeanne Ramsden

April 19, 2012

Lou, You have my symathy for the loss of your beloved son. It should comfort you in knowing he was happy, enjoyed his life, and lived it his way.