James Stankevich,

"James Stankevich Sr." BREITUNG TOWNSHIP - James J. Stankevich Sr., 73, of N4739 Harding Park Drive, Breitung Township, passed away Saturday, June 25, 2005, at his home. Jim was born Nov. 30, 1931, in Iron Mountain. He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Duda) Stankevich and had been a life long resident of this area. He was a 1949 graduate of Kingsford High School. Jim served in the United States military at Luke Air Force Base as an A & E mechanic from 1951-1955. On Nov. 3, 1956, he married the former Dorothy Forcey at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara, Wis. He retired in 1994 after working for many years as a welder at Smeester Bros. Trucking. Prior to that, he worked at St. John Trucking. Jim also owned and operated "Stanky's Marine" in Kingsford. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and the American Legion. Jim was very knowledgeable and creative in mechanics, welding, carpentry and woodworking. At the age of 16, he built his first truck. He also loved airplanes and fishing with his father. During his retirement, he enjoyed gardening (especially his love for lilies), making clocks and working on his home. Jim was kind and caring and loved to help others. Jim is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sons, Joseph (Edwina) Stankevich of Norway and James (Kelly) Stankevich Jr. of Iron Mountain; his daughters, Cynthia (James) Counter of Nashville, Tenn. and Sandra (George) Zahn of Homestead, Wis.; a brother, Jerome (Lenore) Stankevich of Norway; sisters, Martha (Harvey) Spiegel of Highland, Ind. and MaryAnn Jacobson of Aurora,Wis.; 15 grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Joseph. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will officiate. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Pallbearers will be Myron Fetterly, Al Cootware, Carl Johnson, Gilbert Fugere, George Zahn and James Counter. Condolences may be expressed to the family of James J. Stankevich online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

James Stankevich,

November 30, 1931 - June 25, 2005