James Dake

James Harrison “Jim” Dake , age 51, of Siren, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 12, 2016, at Burnett Medical Center, Grantsburg, WI, following a brief battle with cancer.   James was born in Hudson, WI, on December 20, 1964, to Norma Jean (Richison) and Walter Oscar Dake. He attended public schools in Baldwin and was a 1984 graduate of Baldwin–Woodville Area High School.    Jim served over 14 years in the U.S. Army National Guard.   On March 3, 2003, he was called to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving primarily with the 724 th Engineer Battalion in Iraq.  Jim was awarded the following:  Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (4 th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2 nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device.   Jim attended Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College for two years, receiving training in the Residential Construction and Cabinetry Program.  Until he became ill in November 2015, Jim was employed as a woodworker.  He worked in Osceola, Luck, St. Croix Falls and in Dresser.   Jim was a member of the Siren United Methodist Church, and was a member of the American Legion post 255, Victor, in Luck.     He was a collector of antique toy models of tractors and farm equipment which he would purchase and sell at flea markets, swap meets, or other bazaars.  Jim enjoyed watching science fiction shows and movies, and was especially fond of Star Wars and Star Trek.  He also enjoyed watching Westerns.   Jim was a sensitive, kind and caring individual.  He had a strong intellect, was contemplative, detail oriented, and had a special sense of humor.   Surviving are his mother, Norma Dake; two sisters, Lori Dake and Susan (Robert) DeMarre; aunts and uncles; cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, Walter in October 2015.   The funeral service for Jim Dake will be conducted at 11:00 am (visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am), Monday, April 18, 2016, at Siren United Methodist Church with Rev. Eddie Crise officiating.  Interment with full military honors will be held in Lakeview Cemetery, Siren.  Pallbearers are: Roger Hillman, Dale Strength, Rick Bierman, Jim Richison, Mike Hillman, and Harold Larson.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated.   Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taytlor.com .