James P. “PJ” Wils, age 82, of 1610 Dakota Avenue, Gladstone, MI died Wednesday morning October 4, 2006 at home following a lengthy illness with cancer surrounded by his loving family and special friend Sr. Joanne.
James was born September 16, 1924 in Escanaba the son of Andrew and Lyda (Bennett) Wils. He was raised in Rapid River and attended school at the Rapid River Public Schools. James served his country in the U.S. Army during WW II where he served in the European African Middle Eastern Theater. Jim was wounded in action in Italy on January 31, 1944. Along with the Purple Heart Medal he received the Silver Star Medal with the first Oak Leaf Cluster as well as the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one silver Battle Star medal. Following his honorable discharge in 1945 he returned to Rapid River. Jim was united in marriage to the former Eunice Gilland on January 26, 1946 and she preceded him in death on September, 27, 1973. Jim married the former Karen LaPorte on April 11, 1977. Jim was employed at the Harneschfeger Corp. for 31 years, retiring in 1983. Jim was an active member of All Saints Church where he served as Altar Server, Eucharistic Minister, usher and money counter. He was a member of the Escanaba VFW. Jim loved deer hunting, walleye fishing, picking blueberries and canning. His family fondly remembers his grilled chicken which he enjoyed cooking.
In addition to his wife Karen, survivors include:
2 Sons: Jim (Elaine) Wils of Alpena, MI; Tom (Cindy) Wils of Gladstone
3 Step-sons: Eric (Sally) Dahlgren of Neenah, WI; Karl (Lisa) Dahlgren of Neenah, WI; Paul (Allyson) Dahlgren of Green Bay, WI
1 Step-daughter: Diane Smith of Kaukauna, WI
4 Daughters: Sherry Artley of Cornell, MI; Bunny (Dan) Villeneuve of Escanaba; Carole (Tim) Boucher of Escanaba; Patti (Jay) Kaufman of Gladstone
3 Brothers: Lawrence Wils of Perkins; Gerald (Esther) Wils of Stonington; Francis Wils of Chatsworth, CA
2 Sisters: Helen (John) Clouser of Gladstone; Pat (Tom) Way of Wells
28 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
In addition to his parents and first wife Eunice, he was preceded in death by:
Infant son: Scott Andrew
Infant sister: Theresa
Son-in-law: Jerry Artley
Grandson: Andy Artley
Granddaughter: Kristi Villeneuve
2 Brothers: Everett and Bernard
Sister - in - Law: Cleo Wils
PJ’s family will receive friends on Monday from 2:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. at the All Saints Church in Gladstone. Military rites conducted by the Gladstone American Legion Post #71 will follow at 5:30 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of James “PJ” Wils will follow at 6:00 P.M. at the All Saints Church with Rev. Arnold Grambow officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in the Rapid River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be directed to All Saints Church for the barrier free entrance.
