James K. 'Jamer' Tarro

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - James K. "Jamer" Tarro, 91, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, with his dear family at his side. 

Jamer was born on Oct. 26, 1930, in Wakefield, a son of Joseph and Mary (Bugni) Tarro. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1948.

Jamer proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was aboard aircraft carriers, USS Antietam, USS Shangri-La and USS YorkTown. He was honorably discharged as a private first class on Dec. 4, 1953.

Jamer worked as a pinsetter at the Lake View Bowling Alley in Wakefield, then in the lumber industry in Marenisco and concluded his working career as a miner. He worked in the Plymouth Mine and Cary Mine and retired from White Pine Copper Company. 

Jamer's hobbies were hunting, fishing and gardening. He was an extremely talented woodworker/woodcarver.  Jamer spent quality time with his very special nephew and great-nephew, Jimmers and Nick, at their Triple J camp and cottage. He loved to tell stories and could always make you laugh.

Jamer is survived by a sister, Mary Raica, Marquette; a brother, Joe (Arlene), Germantown, Wisconsin; his sister-in-law, Elaine Tarro, Wakefield; many nieces and nephews, Jim (Amy) Tarro, Wakefield, John (Josh) Tarro, of Georgia; the Most Rev. Steven J. Raica, J.C.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama; Joe Raica, Marquette, Karrie (Mark) Wizner, Germantown, and Kathy (Eric) Siewert and Karen (Sean) Castle, both of Richfield, Wisconsin; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Nick (Ashley), Julia, Jonathan, Emilie, Danielle, Tyler, Thomas, Jack, Blaze and Harper.

Jamer was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John; and his brother-in-law, Steve Raica.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Nov. 5, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong as celebrant.

Pallbearers will be Jim Tarro, Nick Tarro, Julia Tarro, Joe Raica, Karrie Wizner and Kathy Siewert.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard.

Following the military honors, a luncheon will be served at the church hall.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.