James Alfred Waldeck

TRAVERSE CITY — James "Papa" A. Waldeck, 86, of Traverse City, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015. James was born on Dec. 31, 1928, in Detroit, to the late Lawrence and Margaret (Archambeau) Waldeck.
He graduated from Denby High School in Detroit and moved to Traverse City at the age of 18.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army/Air Force and is a veteran of the Korean War.
Jim married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Bauer, on May 7, 1955 in Traverse City, and in three weeks, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Jim worked with his father distributing New Era Potato Chips and later worked delivering dairy products for Zobels Dairy of Traverse City. Jim ultimately worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office for 34 years and retired Dec. 29, 1989.
Papa was well known for his craftsmanship in wood working. Any time one of his kids or grandkids asked for something special, he was happy to oblige, always adding his seal of approval. He was always quick to offer "quality control" for baked goods and Moomers ice cream. Solicitation callers were always met with a prompt "go fly a kite." With 24 grandkids, three great-grandkids and a few dogs, all responded to the name "Sam."
Jim and Barb went to great lengths to visit their kids and grandkids across the United States and Europe. Whether it was a birth, baptism, graduation, wedding or just a simple birthday, they were always there.
Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara (Bauer) Waldeck; eight children, Mike Waldeck, Lorrie (Don) Thompson and their children, Betsy, Emily and Jameson, Gail (Scott) Applekamp and their children, Alex (Michelle), Andrew and Austin, Jeff (Jane) Waldeck and their children, Bridgett (and her daughter, Elexia), Annelise (Drew) and Sara, Scott (Beth) Waldeck and their children, Alex, Kelly (and her children, Bradley and Emmalynn), Mackenzie and Mary, Kris (Matt) Flynn and their children, Jacob, Maria and Benny, Janice (Matt) Waldeck-Skrzypczak and their children, Brandon, Zachary and Alyssa Ackerman and Gabe, Lucas and Rachael Skrzypczak, Jennifer (Steve) Kovacs and their children, Joe and Kaitlyn; sister, Eleanor Waldeck, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and several nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Jeanne Goodykoontz.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Butch McCrimmon will be officiating. Military honor guard graveside services will take place following the service at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Jim's name to the Father Fred Foundation.
Please share your thoughts and memories with Jim's family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.