James T. Hawkins
1941 – 2020
Jim graced the world January 11, 1941. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved his grandchildren and was so proud of his son and daughter and all of their accomplishments as well as his grandchildrens.
James was born in Omaha, NE but later moved to Bennington, NE as his father passed away when he was only six months old. He and his mom then moved to live with her dad. He graduated at the top of his class from Bennington High School with the Regents Scholarship to Nebraska University and also to Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls, Iowa.
Jim was always an athlete. In high school, Jim ran track where he won many medals, was on the baseball team and played basketball as a starter, even continuing to play basketball into college. It was when Jim hired Mr. Dennis Kerber that golf became his first love. Even after retirement Dennis Kerber, Jim Humphrey, John Fond, and Jim had a regular outing in August somewhere in the Midwest. Hiking with his son Jim, Sus’s family and Jan in Switzerland was always a topic of conversation.
Jim was a quiet guy who loved cars, reading about our country, the Civil War, politics, many novels, and working in the yard. Jim was a devote Catholic, serving on the parish at St. Leo’s, and on the Human Needs Committee before moving to Wisconsin.
Jim married Janet “Jan” Perchal on June 23, 1962. They lived in several places in the Omaha area as well as Hutchinson, Minnesota. All with his business career with G & G Manufacturing Co., in Omaha, NE. Jim started another career change by going to work as Vice President in the sales department of Weasler Engineering Inc. in West Bend, WI. James traveled all over the world while working for this company. In 1990 he was asked by the founder, Tonya Weasler to take over the company as President and C.E.O. Jim started a factory in the Netherlands as well as Hungary. He made the company very successful and had a wonderful sales team as well as a great rep. group. Jim just didn’t like his work it was his love and life.
After retirement Jim chose to move back to Nebraska. During retirement Jim was thrilled to serve on the board of directors for HCC in Illinois. HCC was one of the best groups he worked with and it was good for his involvement in the business world.
About five years ago Jim started having some health issues, and about a year and a half ago we found out we found out it was very serious, an enlarged heart which they had no treatment for. Seeing the one you love suffer each day, with no cure or medication is very difficult. Jim loved life, a life cut way to short. Life is a gift, cherish it.
Preceded in death by mother, Dorothy Hawkins Skidmore; father, Ralph E. Hawkins; and brothers, Richard and Eugene. Survived by wife, Jan Perchal Hawkins; son, James D. Hawkins (Susan) of Tuscon, AZ; daughter, Jennifer Shaw (Monty) of Mequon, WI; six grandchildren: Amelia Hawkins-Conn (Zach), Jacob Hawkins, Nicholas Shaw (Althea), Melissa Shaw, Matthew Shaw (Jasyln) and Emily; brothers-in-law: Jim Perchal, Robert Perchal, Frank Perchal, Dan Perchal, Fred Perchal and Rick Perchal; sisters-in-law: Elaine Witt, Darlene Smith and Therese Lenhart; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Monday, June 22nd from 6pm to 7pm, at the West Center Chapel followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, June 23rd, 10:30am, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (14330 Eagle Run Drive) INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.
4 Comments
It was pleasure getting to know Jim. Sending all our prayers and love. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met,.
I first met James when I was 17 years old and dating his son Jim. I new immediately that he was a kind and gentle soul. I was very nervous meeting Jim’s family and I think James could sense that. After just a few minutes he said “Susie why don’t we go out on the deck.” Over too sweet sweet tea I got to know James. He was so proud of his son and daughter. They were and still are the sun and the moon and the stars to him. James was my then to be husband Jim’s best friend. It is really something special to watch a father and son who are so close. It was a daily routine in my life to have my husband come into the house after a hard days work with the phone pressed to his ear enjoying a conversation with his dad. James was such a source of support and advice for Jim as he moved through his own career challenges. I know my husband misses those daily chats dearly.
Jim and I met in 1979 at a farm equipment show. That meeting led to a 40 year friendship. We shared many business and personal interests. When Jim discovered golf he was hooked. We enjoyed playing some of the best courses in the U.S. Our foursome will never be the same. I miss Jim greatly.
I used to be one of Jims distributors. He was always such a nice guy, and an honest man to do business with. Sincere sympathy to all of the family.
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