James H. Tomczak

On May 11, 2025, the Lord called James Tomczak home. Jim was born on February 12, 1935 to Frances and Henry Tomczak. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday with a party at the Neighborly Bar.
Jim graduated from DePadua High School. After High School, Jim joined the Coast Guard in 1953, graduating from bootcamp at Camp May, NJ. After his stint in the Coast Guard he joined the Coast Guard Reserves, proudly serving for 30 years and retiring in 1997. Jim achieved the highest rank, an E9 Master Chief. His main post was manning the Lapointe Lighthouse on Long Island of the Apostle Islands. He jokingly told people that when he climbed to the top of the Lighthouse, he could see his Mother's laundry hanging out on the clothesline.
Jim married Lorna (Mary) Gustafson on November 3, 1972. Jim and Mary celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022. With the marriage, Jim became a Dad to Steven. Jim and Mary welcomed their beloved son, Alan in 1979. Alan was tragically killed in a car accident in 1989, a loss that Jim never got over.
Jim loved all things related to the water. He owned a wind sled that could run on the ice and the water and several other fishing boats. He collected over 500 Lighthouses in all shapes and sizes, his Lighthouse collection was recently featured at the Ashland County Museum. Jim also enjoyed tinkering on motors and machinery. He co-owned Jim's Moto-Ski Sales and Service with his Uncle John Kontny in the 1960's.
Jim worked at the Ashland Paper Mill for more than 30 years as a Millwright, retiring in 1997. After his retirement, Jim and Mary travelled across the country in their motorhome. Jim settled into his retirement and enjoyed travelling, gambling and working on projects at home. He enjoyed visiting with people and sharing Coast Guard stories and stories about Ashland History.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary, of the home and son Steven. He is also survived by his sister Carol Mesik of Ashland and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Alan; brother Butch Tomczak; parents, Frances and Henry Tomczak and his daughter-in-law, Tammy Tomczak.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland with Father Jerome D'Souza as Celebrant.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Friday at the Church and continue until the hour of service.
Interment will take place at Saint Agnes Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.