James ‘Jim’ F. Bouck Jr.

ESCANABA — James “Jim” F. Bouck Jr., 78, of Escanaba, passed away early Sunday morning, Feb. 17, 2019, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on Aug. 6, 1940, in Cartersville, Ga, the son of James and Frances (Head) Bouck Sr. At 9 months old, Jim’s family relocated to Chicago, Ill., which is where he grew up and graduated from Tilden High School. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Jan. 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 Feb. 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, Ill. Together, the couple shared 52 years of marriage and raised two 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 five 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 second 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.