James B. Gaul, a decorated Vietnam veteran, passed away after a two- year courageous battle with cancer on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Tamarack Health Medical Center in Hayward, WI, surrounded by family.

James Bernard Gaul was born August 9, 1949, in Oak Park, IL the son of Bernard and Marion (Host) Gaul. His family moved to Detroit, MI where he was raised and attended school. After graduating from high school, Jim attended college for a short time before serving in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972, stationed one year in Vietnam and was a combat wounded veteran. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim returned to Michigan and attended Oakland University in Rochester, MI. Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in business and began a career in sales with Shiley Company. Jim was married to Tammie Albrecht for 23 years and they were blessed with two children during that time. In 1989, Jim moved to Shoreview, MN where he began work with Medical Graphics Corporation as a sales representative. Known by many as a hard worker, Jim quickly worked his way up to Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Services and was a mentor and second dad to many coworkers. On October 1, 2005, Jim was joined in marriage to Ann Noble in Hayward. Jim retired in 2012 and moved to Hayward, WI to their home on Round Lake. He enjoyed golfing, traveling internationally and taking annual road trips with Ann. He will be remembered for his generosity, great sense of humor and remarkable knowledge for all things trivia.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ann; two children, Colin (Nichole) Gaul of Blaine, MN, Courtney (Murray) Beaton of Oxford, MI; two step children, Lauren (Chase) Dankers and Nick (Julianne) Chupita, both of New Brighton, MN; two grandchildren, Riley Gaul and Ella Beaton; six step grandchildren(Austin, Addyson, Leo, Maisie, Rudy and Sonny); one brother, John (Tolly) Gaul of Lake Orion, MI; one sister, Judy (Larry) Frank of Apollo Beach, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Hayward with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating. A time of gathering will be held prior to the service at 10:30am. Military Honors will be accorded by the State of Wisconsin Military Funeral Honors Program and Hayward American Legion Post #218.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or the Wounded Warrior Project, W14743 1st Avenue, Gleason, WI 54435.

Last Update: Dec 24, 2024 1:00 pm CST