James S. Debalske

James S. Debalske "Big Jim" 87, Wausau, died July 24, 2011 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born August 17, 1923 in Wausau, son of the late Steven and Alvina Debalske. On January 25, 1945 he was united in marriage to Belvia M. Borth in Wausau. She preceded him in death on May 12, 2008. In 1941 he joined the United States Air Force serving four years as sergeant in the sixth Air Born Division during World War II in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. Jim owned and operated Jim's Service Center in Wausau for 50 years along with his son Dennis. He retired in 1995. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at the cabin with family and friends. Due to his failing health his last few years were spent in a wheel chair with bad kidneys. His love for family and cars never ended. He was a life time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post No. 388, Wausau. He is survived by his son, Dennis, Wausau; daughter, Denise (Steve Konz), Sleepy Eye, Minn.; two grandchildren, Tracy (Tim Zieska), Phoenix, Ariz. and Laurie (Neal Van Winkle), Farmington, Minn.; four great-grandchildren, Brandon, Tori, Jordon and Taylor; one sister, Eleanor Fricke, Wausau. Besides his parents and wife, Belvia, he was preceded in death by one sister, Margaret Heinricks. Funeral services will be 11a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2011 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau. The Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call Wednesday from 4-8p.m. and again on Thursday from 10a.m. until the time of services all at the 6th Street funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com A very special thank you to all the staff at Ministry Health Care Dialysis Center, also Dr. Stephen Blonsky, Dr. Pablo Abrego and Dr. Jeffrey Oswald.