James W. Wik
James Wallace Wik, 87, passed away Monday, March 28, 2022. He was loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.
James was born April 3, 1934, in Bennett Valley, to Ole and Hattie (Austin) Wik. He attended Bennett Valley School; was baptized and confirmed at East Bennett Valley Church. James entered the U.S. Navy in 1951, where he served on three battleships: the USS MARKAB, the USS CASCADE, and the CHARLES S. BERRY. He was honorably discharged in 1960.
James was a member of the Eleva American Legion for over 25 years. He attended Maryland Dental School and Brown University in RI. James worked at Hillside Dairy in Cranston, RI, for 21 years. He also worked at Land O’ Lakes as a delivery salesman. James finished his career at Silver Spring Gardens, retiring in 1996. He married Bernice Wakefield Brantner, June 17, 1978.
James loved giving people “the business”. His sharp wit and come backs kept everyone guessing at what he was up to next. He enjoyed going to and having thrift sales, buying and selling (this is where “Junky Jim” came into play), helping others, including food for those who needed help, visiting with everyone. Many of us truly enjoyed his BS Sessions!!
Jim always had a smile and a laugh or two for everyone. He was a sweet, kind, caring, compassionate, thoughtful man. His love and passion for his family ran deep.
James is survived by his children: Cheryl Dancause of Derry, NH, James Wik Jr. of Eleva, Robin (Mark) Crossley of Riverside, RI, Wendy (Steve) Eckwright of Eleva, Tracy (Lionel) Motta of Coventry, RI, Alan (Deb) Brantner of Eleva, Terri (Dorin) Knudtson of Eleva, Roger (Sue) Brantner of Eleva, Bruce (Florinda) Brantner of Eleva, Mike (Karrie) Brantner of Strum; sister, Diane (Duane) Slifer of EC; brother, Thomas Wik of Altoona; many grand and great grandchildren; as well as many neices, nephews and friends.
James was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Bernice Wik; his parents: Ole and Hattie Wik; sisters: Doris, Ethel, Loretta, and Zandra; brothers: Herman, Lloyd, Glen, an infant brother and brother James.
James was truly one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A funeral service was held Friday, April 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Eleva Lutheran Church. Pastor Karen Ressel officiated. Burial with full military honors followed at East Bennett Valley Cemetery.
A visitation was held Friday, April 1, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church.
