James A. Piasecki, age 76 of Sugar Camp, died Wednesday, May 11, 2016. He was born in Rhinelander May 25, 1939, the son of August and Angeline (Kanvoskie) Piasecki. James attended grade school in Sugar Camp and Rhinelander High School.

At the age of 17, James enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he received his GED and served from 1956 -1976. He fought in Vietnam and had been stationed in San Diego, Calif. He retired from the Navy with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. James was united in marriage to Janet Stefonek on May 11, 1967 in San Diego, Calif. After retiring from the Navy, James and his family moved back to Rhinelander where they have lived since 1976.

James was then employed by Peterson Health Care as a Maintenance Technician for 20 years. He enjoyed volunteering with the Salvation Army, Rhinelander Food Pantry and the Special Olympics. He also donated blood, took care of his uncle, William Piasecki, and was a volunteer Firefighter and EMT with the Town of Sugar Camp. He traveled to Guatemala and Panama as a Missionary. He also traveled to Israel, Jerusalem and traveled around the end of the earth on an icebreaker in Antarctica. James traveled on the Jesus Boat in 2007, which is a replica of a boat found in the Sea of Galilee. He was baptized at Yardenit the baptismal site on the Jordan River. James found time to be active in politics, where he helped candidates with campaigning. James attended Grace Four Square Church and Pine Grove Community Church. James enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, shooting trap, and planting trees and flowers.

He is survived by his children; James Allan (Lisa) Piasecki of the Town of Pine Lake  and Jill Marie (Scott) Demcak of Rhinelander; longtime companion Jan Smith of Sugar Camp; one sister, Sharon Shaver of Merrill and two brothers, Ed (Peggy) Piasecki and Jerry Piasecki, all of Rhinelander. Also surviving are godchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother-in-law, Jim Shaver and an uncle, William Piasecki.

The visitation for James will be held on Wednesday, May 25 at the Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, from 10 a.m. until the 12 p.m. (NOON) memorial service. Pastors Matthew Wallmow and Jeremy Vander Galien will be officiating. Military honors will immediately follow the service. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501, 715-365-4343. Celebrating lives and healing hearts. All are invited to light a candle, sign the guestbook, leave a photo or an online condolence atwww.hildebrandrussfh.com