James F. Bouck, Jr.

James “Jim” F. Bouck, Jr., age 78, of Escanaba, passed away early Sunday morning, February 17, 2019 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on August 6, 1940 in Cartersville, GA, the son of James and Frances (Head) Bouck, Sr. At 9 months old, Jim’s family relocated to Chicago, IL which is where he grew up and graduated from Tilden High School. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 31, 1958 and with extensive training became a U.S. Navy SEAL. Jim served two missions overseas during the Vietnam War and was deployed on the USS Intrepid until he was honorably discharged on February 7, 1964. In his younger years, Jim was involved with stockcar racing where he was commonly known as the “Flying Dutchman” and often traveled to the Illiana Motor Speedway and the Santa Fe Speedway to compete. On June 11, 1966 he married the former Dorothy J. Solomon in Chicago, IL. Together, the couple shared 52 years of marriage and raised 2 children. In 1974, Jim relocated his family after receiving a job opportunity at Harnischfeger Corporation in Escanaba. During this time, Jim was very involved with the Manistique National Guard. He worked at P&H for 5 years until he went to work for Schneider National as an over the road truck driver. A few years later, Jim broke off and became an independent truck driver for Dick Dye. After working for Dick, Jim owned and operated his own truck and worked independently until his retirement. Throughout his career, Jim was a terrific truck driver. He earned his Million Mile Safety Award with Schneider National and also took 2nd place in the Midwest Regional Truck Rodeo. In his retirement years, Jim kept busy by working part-time at Walmart. Jim was very active with the Rock American Legion Post #559 and was proud to have been a veteran. Jim was part of the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight – Mission 13 to Washington, D.C. during September of 2017.  He enjoyed reading and was a huge history buff. Jim enjoyed watching movies and listening to country music. His family meant the world to him and he loved them dearly.

James F. Bouck, Jr. is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bouck of Escanaba; son, Scott (Cathy) Bouck of Escanaba; daughter, Debra Ziemke of Menominee, MI; grandchildren, Brittany Ziemke, Dylan Ziemke, and Emma Ziemke; great-granddaughter, Mila Macco; brother, Robert Bouck of Lombard, IL; brothers-in-law, Elmer Koppit of Romeoville, IL, and John (Paula) Solomon of Escanaba; sister-in-law, Carol Mattson of Escanaba; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Koppit; father and mother-in-law, Howard and Signe Rose; brother-in-law, Robert Mattson; and nephews, Eric Mattson, and Craig Mattson.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Friday, February 22, 2019 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will be conducted at 5:45 p.m., Friday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel by the Rock American Legion Post #559. Funeral services celebrating the life of James will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Mark Highum officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the funeral services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight. 

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