James "Jim" Blakeslee

Jim Blakeslee, age 84, of Neenah, passed away at Emerald Ridge Assisted Living Community in Neenah, on July 17, 2017. Jim was born on November 14, 1932, in Sauk County to the late James A. and Gladys M. (Wolf) Blakeslee.

Jim was well known for his love of life, infectious sense of humor, and enthusiastic singing and dancing. He was a ham radio enthusiast, champion chess player, sports fan, licensed fishing guide, avid canoer, pool player and dog lover. Jim enjoyed reading (and eventually listening to books-on-tape), fishing fly-ins to Canada, traveling and exploring the Southwest and wintering in southwestern New Mexico. Many retirement hours were spent on the ATV with his wife Kathy, and dog Dax, looking for carnelian, Indian artifacts and petroglyphs in the desert.

Survivors include his children, Bruce (LeAnne) Blakeslee; Anna (Graham) Paterson; Terry (Gordie) Stenz; Gerard (Linda) Blakeslee; Clare (Bill) Toll; Andrew (Kathleen) Blakeslee; Becky Lamers; Edward (Melinda) Blakeslee; Amy (Rodney) Pelles and Brenda (Paul) Goetsch; and Susan (Dean) Roddy; his grandchildren, Sarah and Anthony; Levi, Jesse, Caleb and Noah; Christine and Brittany; Aaron, Jacob and Molly; Amber, Amanda, Joshua and Kera; Laura, Emma and Ben; Sandra, Richard and Scott; Rebekah, Edward and Anna; and Thomas, Frankie and Josie; and Dean Jr. and Chloe; and many, many great grandchildren; his sister Sandy (Fred) Gawronski; his brother, Jerry (Shirley) Blakeslee. He is further survived by his former wife, Sandy; and extended family that includes Karen and Rich Reitz. Jim was preceded in death by his step-father Everett Snyder; his wife Kathy Blakeslee; his wife, Donna Blakeslee, and special friends Caroline Dahms and Greta Fravel.

Memorial services for Jim will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton. Friends may call on Saturday, AUGUST 12, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Emerald Ridge Assisted Living and the staff of Generations Hospice, especially Jessie, for their loving care. A memorial has been established in Jim’s name. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com