James C. Wayka

James C. “Mr. Jim” Wayka, 68, of Keshena, left his family and friends suddenly on Tuesday morning, Feb. 4, 2014, at the Shawano Medical Center. Mr. Jim was born Dec. 25, 1945, in Keshena, a son of the late Frank & Elizabeth (Davis) Wayka. He attended the St. Anthony Catholic School in Neopit and later Shawano High School, graduating in 1966. Following high school he entered the United States Army, where he served during the Vietnam Conflict. Upon returning from service, Jim attended Midland Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, where he earned his certification in Early Childhood Development. He later attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Mount Senario College in Ladysmith. On Feb. 27, 1982, he was united in marriage to the former Mary Richmond at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Keshena. Mr. Jim taught for many years, teaching at the Menominee Tribal School for one year and at the South Branch Head Start for one year. The majority of his teaching career was at the Menominee Indian Head Start in Keshena. He taught there for over 28 years, retiring in 2009. He is a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Keshena. Jim was dedicated to public service and very active in his community. He served as a member of the Menominee County Board of Supervisors and served as a Menominee Tribal Legislator, being elected in 1998 and serving until 2000. He served continuously on the tribe’s Health Committee. He was a member of the Veterans of the Menominee Nation, and was one of very few Menominee Tribal members with the 7/8 Quantum. He was a published author and will be remembered for his love of music. He was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers and collected Packers memorabilia. He enjoyed spending time out of doors and exercising at the fairgrounds. He was also known to enjoy an occasional trip to the casino. He is survived by his wife on nearly 32 years, Mary Wayka, of Keshena; three sons, James (Ann Marie) Wayka, of Green Bay, Christopher “Buzz” Wayka and Paul Wayka, both of Keshena; eight grandchildren, Romar, Adrian, Matthew, Alonzo, Tara Leigh, Tavaeh, Christopher and Laviah. He is further survived by a sister, Zillah Tepiew, of Denver, Colo., and a special nephew, Ronnie B. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephew and friends. Mr. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and eight sisters, Marlene, Elizabeth, Coleen, Darlene, Joyce, Carla, Josephine and Rita. His five brothers, Francis, Earl, Anthony, Greg, David and Leon, also preceded him in death. A funeral Mass for James C. Wayka will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Keshena. The Rev. David McElroy, O’Praem, will be the celebrant. Interment will take place in the spring in the parish cemetery. Veterans of the Menominee Nation will perform military honors at the church. Relatives and friends may call at the Father David Barrett Hall at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Thursday, Feb. 6, after 4 p.m. until the time of Mass on Saturday morning. A parish wake service will be conducted at the parish hall at 8 p.m. Friday. Schroeder-Mickelson Funeral Service of Shawano is assisting the Wayka family with the service arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.schroedermickelsonfuneralservice.com.