James Jakusz

Born on August 3, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jim was the son of Margaret (Puhek) Jakusz and Chester Jakusz. The youngest of three children, he is pre-deceased by older sister Pat Drewek, and survived by older brother Donald Jakusz.

After finishing high school, Jim enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served in the Korean War and was posted to the peacekeeping forces in Occupied Japan.  At the end of his full-time tour of duty, Jim chose to continue his service in the Air Force Reserves.  He served a long and distinguished service with the Wisconsin Air National guard for 23 years, retiring from his guard unit in 1976 with the rank of Lt. Colonel.  Jim then received commendation and full retirement from the US Air Force in 1991.

Aside from his military career, Jim’s career of choice was marketing and advertising.  He began as an advertising executive and rose over the years to the roles of vice president and senior vice president with several regional midwestern firms until his retirement in 1996.  Following his retirement, Jim continued to stay active in business and in his community, most recently as a board member and volunteer for Our Daily Bread Food Bank in Denton, TX.  Jim was always proud of his chance to help others in need, and willing to lend a helping hand when asked.

Family was always the most important thing in Jim’s life.  He married Terrie Olson in 1956, and they were married until her death in 1994.  Jim was married to Susan Jakusz, who currently survives him.  He is survived by his daughter Judy Jakusz, her husband Keith Paridy, and his granddaughter Caitlin, his stepchildren Susie McLain and her husband Denny, Bryan Blakely, and his wife Dyanne.

Jim is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, and cousins far and wide.  He was a good and kind man.  He had a big heart, generous nature, great sense of humor, and original songs he would sing to anyone who would listen.  He will be greatly missed by those who loved him and shared his life.  He would be proud that his example and his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.