James Bjork

VISITATION:

4 - 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 2 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 531 E. South Ave., Chippewa Falls and from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, also at the church

SERVICE:

11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 3 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 531 E. South Ave., Chippewa Falls

James Arthur Bjork, 86, of Chippewa Falls, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Monday, July 1, 2013.

On May 29, 1953, he married Lorraine Ruth Peterson at the First Assembly of God Church in Chippewa Falls. They celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. They had four children: Susan Kae Bjork, Debra Sue Wolbert (Dave), Douglas James Bjork (Kay), Dean Oscar Bjork; six grandchildren: Matthew Hammond, David Holte, Rachel, Sara, and Benjamin Bjork, Tristian Bjork; two great grandchildren: Derek Hammond and River Way.

He is also survived by sister, Kathleen Landsem, and brother, Elmer Bjork (Joanne), and sisters-in-law, Marge Bjork, Dorothy Anderson, Joyce Sparks, Nona Rubenzer (Terry), and Bonnie Gunther, brothers-in-law, David Peterson and Wilford "Andy" Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Susan; his four-year-old great grandson, Derek; his father and mother, Oscar and Karine (Helseth) Bjork; his father and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Ruth (Peterson) Boettcher; his brothers, John, Kenneth, and Gordon; his sister, Helen Anderson; brothers-in-law, Daniel Peterson, Conrad Landsem, and Charles Anderson Jr.; sister-in-law, June Beecher; two nieces in childhood, Judy and Sandy Anderson; and nephew, David Bjork.

Jim and Lorraine shared their home with nephews, Rick Beecher, David and Richie Peterson, and adult foster daughter, Joan Wall. Jim loved family pets, cat, Smokey "Tat-ah", dogs, Max, Maggie, and Sophie.

Jim served in the U.S. army in the Pacific Theatre, 1st Cavalry from 1944 until his honorable discharge in 1946. He lived all his life on the East hill in the city of Chippewa Falls. He loved the city and the people in it. Jim and his father, Oscar, served for a total of seventy-five years in the Chippewa Falls Street Department. Jim worked for forty-four years for the street department and served as street superintendent for thirty-two years. Jim's lifelong dream was that a street would be named after him or his father. Chippewa Falls was the greatest place in the world to him. He was a loving father and enjoyed being with his family more than anything else. He also enjoyed woodworking and building projects and making picnic tables and birdhouses for his family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 3 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church, 531 E. South Ave (behind Kmart in Chippewa Falls), with Pastor Gregg Buckli officiating. Interment with military honors provided by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be from 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 2 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church and one hour prior to the service Wednesday, also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be directed to the American Heart or Lung Association.

AFTERSERVICE:

A funeral service for James A. Bjork, 86, of Chippewa Falls was held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 3 at Chippewa Valley Bible Church, Chippewa Falls. Pastor Gregg Buckli officiated and music was provided by Jodi Jewell and granddaughter, Sara Bjork. Sons, Dean and Doug Bjork gave eulogies; granddaughter, Rachel Bjork read a special letter; and a video message from Rev. Scott Emerson was played.

Interment with military honors provided by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council was in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls. Casket bearers were Scott and Darrin Gunther, Richie, Dave, Ron and Tim Peterson, Tom and Todd Thornwall, Dan Bjork and Barry Anderson.