James E. Hawley, age 72, of Tomahawk, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at his home under the care of his family and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice. Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on Feb. 23, 1950, to the late Edwin and Delores (Slack) Hawley. He was married to Margaret Kaucic on June 21, 1997; she survives.
Jim proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was recognized with several awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Leatherneck Magazine Award. Jim later held a 33-year career at Briggs & Stratton, retiring in 2005, a job he truly enjoyed.
Jim loved the outdoors where he enjoyed bonfires, spending time on the water, watching the wildlife, and taking in nature. He was an avid fisherman and “master fish fryer” hosting many gatherings in his backyard, a place he took great pride in. Jim was a dedicated family man. Family and friends, especially his grandchildren, meant the world to him and he adored spending quality time with all of them. Jim’s nonstop, great sense of humor was enjoyed by everyone who knew him and he was always there to lend a helping hand when needed. He was a talented cribbage player, always loved to sample some delicious sweets, loved a good laugh from a joke, and lived every day to the fullest. Jim never ended a conversation without saying toot-a-loo! He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Hawley, of Tomahawk; his children, Gail (Mark) Krueger, of Tomahawk, Brooks (Candice) Hawley, of Menomonee Falls, Wis., Jessica (Mike) Bruss, of Hartland, Wis., Kelly Hawley, of New Albany, Ind., and Daniel (Jennifer) Brandenburg, of Richfield, Wis. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren, Emily, Lucas, Madelyn, Colton, Kyle, William, Hunter, Makayla, Nathan, Bodhi, and Jude, in addition to two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Paisley.
Graveside services, with military honors, will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 11 a.m., at the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw, Wis. A celebration of life gathering will follow at Inshalla Country Club.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Jim’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.
Gone fishing….toot-a-loo!