Obituary
James Frank McCorkle
Beloved husband, father and teacher James Frank McCorkle passed away on Wednesday, October 25 at Lakeview Nursing Home in West Salem, WI. He was 69.
Jim was born on November 10, 1947 to Rodney and Ethelyn (née Emerson) McCorkle. He spent his childhood in Lily, Wisconsin, hunting, fishing and exploring the outdoors, forming a love of nature that he would carry with him the rest of his life.
Jim graduated from Antigo High School in 1965. He married Jennifer Jones in 1967. He continued his education at Langlade County Normal School and UW-La Crosse, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to teach for 36 years at schools including Irving Pertzsch Elementary School, Northern Hills Elementary School and Onalaska Middle School. Revered by his students and colleagues alike, Jim was a passionate teacher with a profound ability to bring his classroom to life. In addition to his work as an educator, Jim planted thousands of tress across the La Crosse area as a partner in the Onalaska Tree Service.
Jim was the proud father to Corey, Summer and Matthew and the dedicated husband and best friend to his wife of 35 years, Pam (née Schmitt).
Jim loved being in nature, whether landscaping, hiking, biking, or simply observing the weather. A meticulous keeper of cars with an immaculate garage, it was often said that his floor was so clean surgery could be performed on it. Jim enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and was a proud shareholder.
Jim was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2011. As his condition progressed, he held on to his love of dancing, his innate sense of humor and his deep compassion for others.
He is survived by his wife Pam, children Corey, Summer and Matthew, grandson Casper, siblings Rodeane, Cathy and Rodney, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, October 28, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 515 North Main St., Holmen, 54636. Father John Parr will be officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services; a luncheon and celebration of Jim’s life will follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
I am sorry to hear of your loss of Mr. McCorkle. I call him Mr. McCorkle because he was my 5th grade teacher at Irving Pertzsch, that I believe was his first year of teaching. He was a teacher who truly cared about kids. In fact, I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was in his class and later became a teacher and principal and retired last year after 37 years in education…all because I knew I wanted to be a teacher like Mr. McCorkle. My hope for every child is that they have teachers who inspire and motivate them to reach for their dreams…just like Mr. McCorkle did for me. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Think of you and Corey often. Wish you all the best in this time of grief. I remember Captain Underwunder and sledding as very fond memories. Best,
Mike Murphy