James "Jim" D. Stokes

James Dean “Jim” Stokes, age 79 of Eau Claire passed away at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire on Friday, July 15, 2022 after a tough battle with his past cancer and complications taking a toll on his body.

Jim was born in Eau Claire on May 11, 1943 to Alfred and Bertha (Howe) Stokes. While in grade school and high school, Jim was a member of an accordion band.   He graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1961.  From 1961-1963, Jim spent his summers in Adams, Oregon working in the fields harvesting peas, wheat, and rye.  In 1963, Jim enlisted for 4 years in the United States Air Force.  He served at Kincheloe Air Force Base, Strategic Air Command in Michigan and Naha Air Base, Pacific Air Forces in Okinawa Japan. Jim was honorably discharged in November of 1967. He married Rhonda Shermo on October 2, 1982.

Jim was employed by Eau Claire County in the Facilities Maintenance Division. Jim grew up squirrel hunting with his buddies and later enjoyed deer hunting with his brother, sister, Dennis and others in the hunting party.  He loved traveling with Rhonda and friends and he enjoyed playing golf in the Chippewa Valley and at The Villages in Florida where he and Rhonda would spend their winters. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, daughters: Jody (Scott) Miller and Pamela (John) Roland, step-son: Dennis (Michelle) Pawlak, grandchildren: Berrick and Miri Miller, Kendall, Linus, and Ona Roland, step-grandchildren: Brendon (Salenna) Pawlak, Kerigan (Anthony) Andavis, Ethan Pawlak, Samantha (Jason) Hill, Keghan and Amanda MacGlashin, step-great grandchildren: Mariano Wiseman, Angelo Pawlak, Bryson Andavis, Everly, Amelia, Charlotte Hill, sister-in-law: Darlene (Richard) Pederson, many nieces, nephews, and friends.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Phil, and sister Yvonne Rhude.

A service of celebration will take place at 1:30 pm on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E. Fillmore Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Mark Schulz officiating. Memorial visitation will take place on that day from 11:30 am until the time of service. Inurnment of ashes with military honors will take place at a later date in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to purchase a Legacy Stone at Chippewa Valley Veterans Park in Altoona and The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, WI.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.