James Howard Hawkins, age 87 of Hammond died peacefully Thursday, December 22, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born July 28, 1929 in River Falls, WI, the son of Matt and Elva (Keating) Hawkins. He graduated from Hammond High School, the Class of 1947. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was united in marriage on August 28, 1954 in Big River, WI to Dolores Buss. Their marriage and life was blessed with six children: Dan, Steve, Debbie, Greg, Kathy and Jeff.
Jim was devoted to his family, his faith, and farming. Jim farmed all his life, along with his brother, Lory on their Century Farm. He enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, and was an avid Packer, Badger, and Twins fan. In his spare time, Jim appreciated fishing, spending time at his cabin, golfing, and playing a good hand of cards. Jim had a great sense of humor, and delighted in making wonderful memories with his family, especially having fun with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jim will remain in the hearts of his loving wife of 62 years, Dolores; children: Dan (Lori) Hawkins of Hammond, Steve Hawkins of Roberts, Debbie (Rollie) Nelson of Hammond, Greg (Susan) Hawkins of Hammond, Kathy (Bruce) Forrest of Downing, and Jeff (Ericka) Hawkins of Roberts; 13 grandchildren: Brent (Jess) Hawkins, Jackie (Evan) Larsen, Angela (Dan) Johnson, Marie (Adam) Herrmann, Johnathan (Emily) Nelson, Michael Nelson, Jill (Chad) Deraps, Hayley and Luke Hawkins, Jacob and Matthew Forrest, Max and Amelia Hawkins; 9 great grandchildren; siblings: Don Hawkins, Mary (Chuck) Parker, Catherine Land, and Lory (Marlys) Hawkins; as well as many special nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Hawkins; granddaughter, Kelley Hawkins; his parents, Matt and Elva Hawkins; brother-in-law, Melvin Buss; and sister-in-law, Mabel Harris.
Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will take place 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 27 at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond, with his nephew, Fr. Gerald Harris officiating. Burial will take place at the parish cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Hammond American Legion Post #432. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the Mass at church. Pallbearers assisting with the services will be: Brent Hawkins, Johnathan Nelson, Michael Nelson, Luke Hawkins, Jacob Forrest, Matthew Forrest, and Max Hawkins. Memorials are preferred. Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.