James “J.J.” C. Junk, 63, a Manitowoc resident, passed away early Saturday morning, June 19, 2021, at Aurora Medical Center Manitowoc County, Two Rivers.
J.J. was born on February 21, 1958 in Clarks Mills, the son of the late George and Grace (Chaloupka) Junk. He was a graduate of Valders High School with the class of 1976. On January 24, 1996 he married Lori Kiefer Kuemmet. He was the former owner of JJ and the Jet Bar in Clarks Mills and was retired from Operating Engineers Local 139. Most recently J.J. was working part-time as a driver for Rusch Logistics, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
He loved yardwork and made a special little garden for Lori. J.J. looked forward to annual vacations to Puerta Vallarta, especially the time he was on stage with a band and sang “Sweet Caroline,” one of his favorite Neil Diamond hits. J.J. would drop everything to help family and friends with any project or problem they were having. Throughout his life he had many dogs. Currently, his constant companions were his Great Dane, Cowboy, along with his granddaughter Alyssa’s Great Dane, Kara. But what he enjoyed most was time spent with his grandkids.
Survivors include his wife, Lori; stepson, Kris Kuemmet (fiancée, Stephanie Horkman), their sons, Kaden and Kai; stepdaughter, Mandi Kuemmet, her daughters, Alyssa, Maleah (her son, Chris), Jordan, and Aubrey; goddaughter, Angelina Junk; sisters, Georgia (Bill) Ackley and Sr. Marie Jeanne Junk; brothers, Gordy (Jackie) Junk, Guy Junk, and George (Kim) Junk (their daughter, Angelina); mother-in-law, Jean Kiefer; sisters-in-law, Amy (Adam) Klarkowski, Mary Kiel, and Pam Kiefer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Grace Junk; brother, Jerry Junk; and father-in-law, James Kiefer.
A Life Celebration Social will be held for family and friends on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. At 7:00 p.m. the evening will conclude with prayers and a time of sharing. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with arrangements.
