James Stanley Hakala Sr., 71, of Holmen, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. Jim was born in 1946 in St. Paul, MN. In 1977, Jim and his wife, Mary, moved to La Crescent, MN where Jim started his own auto body shop. Later on, he worked at Heileman’s Brewery in La Crosse for 17 years. After that, Jim started driving truck until his retirement. He loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed bass fishing, hunting, watching Nascar, and playing cards.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Jim Jr. (Elisa), Mike (Patti), and Tim; nieces, Toni (Donny Jo) Stauffer and Gwen (Henry) Crankshaw; daughters, Tina and Tracy; grandkids, Elsie, Mike Jr., and Caleb; sisters, Sally and Sandy; and sister in law, Gloria Stauffer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Hazel; and his brother, Steven.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Holmen, WI at 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, burial with military honors to follow at 1:15 PM at Green Mound Cemetery, Holmen, WI. Father John Parr will be officiating. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.