James Asa Wolf Jr. Obituary (1921

James Asa Wolf, Jr. of Waukegan passed away on October 30, 2016. His wife of 63 years, Amanda, was by his side. Jim was born on July 30, 1921 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to James Asa and Marie Sticha Wolf. He grew up in Waukegan and was a proud graduate of Waukegan Township High School class of 1939. After graduation, he attended Millikin University in Decatur for a year then returned home when his father died. Jim joined the US Army Air Force in 1943, became an Airplane and Engine Mechanic with the 830th Bombardment Squadron, and was honorably discharged in1946 as a Sergeant. He reentered the service as a reservist from 1949-52. In 1949, Jim met Amanda Kerpan. Though they attended WTHS at the same time, the pair didn't know each other until a blind date brought them together. They married on June 20, 1953. Jim loved being absorbed into the large Kerpan family. He was employed by E. J. & E. Railway for 39 years, and he often took on part time jobs to ensure that his three children were well supported in their educational and extra curricular endeavors. Jim was a long standing member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church volunteering wherever he was needed, as well as a member of American Legion Post 281 and the United Transportation Union Alumni Association. He and Amanda served on every WTHS Class of '39 reunion committee over the years, until their final gathering was held 70 years to the day after graduation. Jim liked to travel, whether driving endless hours on cross-country road trips, relaxing on the train, or enjoying the cruise ship lifestyle. While he visited ports of call around the world, he had a real fondness for the Hawaiian Islands, Arizona and anywhere there was a comfy poolside chair. Closer to home, Jim was known as a bargain hunter extraordinaire and an animal lover. There was always a box of dog biscuits in the cupboard for his canine friends even though he hadn't had a dog in years, and a bag of peanuts at the ready for the North Avenue squirrels. He was a kind and calming force in the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Amanda, children Barbara (Michael Staggs), James (Lisa Curtis), and Jean-Marie (Brent Randol), and granddaughters Caroline Palmisano and Liesl Wolf-Heinemann. He is further survived by his brother-in-law Michael Kerpan, sisters-in-law Lois Kerpan and Betty Kerpan, nieces and nephews Ann, Sandy, Ed, Donna, Nancy, Bill and Charlie and many more Wolf and Kerpan nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. He was so thankful for the special help he received from devoted nieces Donna Parkhurst, Ginni Kerpan, nephew John Kerpan and brother-in-law Mike Kerpan. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lindell (Margaret) Wolf, sisters Marie (Edwin) Parkhurst and Virginia (William) Smale, son-in-law Gary Palmisano, and past members of the Wolf and Kerpan families. Visitation on Sunday, November 6 will be held from 2:00 -5:00 PM at Peterson & Patch Funeral Home, 408 North Sheridan Road, Waukegan, and on Monday, November 7 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 624 Douglas Avenue, Waukegan. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to St. Anastasia Church, Canine Companions for Independence or Eternal Word Television Network, or the charity of your choice.