James W Bakalars

Jame Wayne Bakalars, 78, of La Crosse, died on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, WI. He was born on January 25, 1934 to Edward and Effie Bakalars. He graduated from Central High School in 1952. On September 12, 1953 he married Margie Cordes at St. James Catholic Church in La Crosse, WI.Jim worked as a printer for many years-first as an apprentice at La Crosse Printing under his father, Ed, a foreman there who taught him the trade. He also worked at Inland Printing for several years. In 1969 he went to Northern Engraving in Galesville, WI, as a Pressman Foreman. Jim also taught an evening class of printing at WWTC in the 70s. He eventually started ColorBrite Graphics/Button Boutique on Losey Blvd in La Crosse with his son.Jim enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing cards, especially euchre and poker. He was a die hard Packer Fan and took many bus trips to Brewer games and Lambeau field. He enjoyed all ballgames that his kids and grandkids played in. He earned his nickname, Moondog, from the Bendels ballteam after a weekend tournament loss.He is survived by 12 children, James (Paula), John, Julianne Klein (Nick), Jerome, Joel (Carol), Jacque (Kathy), Jeanne (John) Beadle, Jodianne (Gary Brenner), Janet (Paul), Jaye (Tanja), Jeffrey (Yadira) and Jelaine (Mike) Modawell. He leaves behind 33 grandkids and 18 great grandchildren.We will miss you grampa Moondog. He is also survived by four brothers, Robert, David, Edward and Richard and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gordon and Ronald, one daughter-in-law and one great grandchild.A Celebration of Jims life will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Private family burial will be at a later date. Friends may call on the family Saturday morning at the funeral home from 9:30 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be used in Jims memory.