James Jakl

Jakl, James R.

Jim Jakl, age 63, of Spokane, Washington passed away April 19, 2014, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Jim was born October 6, 1950, in Appleton, Wisconsin and resided in Kaukauna and Oshkosh, Wisconsin and was the son of William and Helen (VanDenzen) Jakl. Jim married Coleen Stark on May 29, 1980.

Jim broke our hearts in June of 2003, when he announced he was moving to Spokane. We missed him while he resided in Spokane and miss him even more now.

Jim was a kind, gentle and soft spoken person and was loved by all. As a child he loved raising his chipmunks and tropical fish and had a love for model trains, especially HO scale. Later in life, photography was his passion focusing on trains and the scenery of the wild west.

Jim was affectionately known as "Mojo" from his high school buddies whom spent a lot of time listening to music in Jim's Dad's workshop during the high school years. He retained that name to this day.

Jim worked for Oscar Jahn's Car Wash in Kaukauna in his younger years, Morgan Door Company in Oshkosh, Neenah Foundry and United Plastic Fabricating, Inc. Neenah, Wisconsin, before relocating to Spokane. Jim most recently worked for Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems, where his main assignment was Schade Towers, where Jim developed many friendships and met some wonderful people who helped him out in so many ways.

Jim is survived by his wife, Coleen Jakl, Spokane, Washington; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carla and Lenny Messal, Cheney, Washington; Jason Messal, Cheney, Washington; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dennis and Ann Jakl, Appleton; Bill and Mary Jakl, Hortonville; and sister and brother-in-law, Barb and Dave Koch, Kaukauna; nieces and nephews, David, Becky and Sarah Jakl, Paul Jakl, Jenny Jakl and Jessica MacPherson and cousins.

Jim is preceded in death by his father and mother, Bill and Helen Jakl; his sister, Rita Jakl; his in-laws, Ervin and Shirley Stark and stepson, Kirk Stark and baby, niece, Amy Jakl.

We would like to thank the following in the Schade Towers Building: Stacy and Kelly at Spokane Teachers Credit Union for organizing a benefit for Jim and all others who donated or helped in any way. Although we have never met you, we appreciate the kindness you have shown to Jim. We would also like to thank Community Cremation and Funeral whom assisted Coleen with final arrangements.

Although we could not be with you through your final ordeal, Jim, our love, thoughts and prayers were with you every minute of every day and we all wanted to give you the hugs and kisses we were unable to give when you were gone. Each time the train whistle blows, we think of you. Love you Brother, Dennis and Ann, Bill and Mary and Barb and Dave.