James Jared Wend, age 67, passed away peacefully in his home on June 24, 2021. Jim was diagnosed with dementia in 2019 and entered home hospice care in August 2020.
Jim and his three sisters grew up in Kalamazoo, MI with their loving parents Jane and Jared Wend. An avid photographer and sailor, Jim’s photo explorations took him to places like Lake Lulu, Eagle Springs Lake, and most of all, photos taken from sail boats on Lake Michigan. Jim was a long-time member of the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. He enjoyed casual sailing and racing. In addition to sailing, Jim enjoyed kayaking, biking, camping and most of all, anytime with his family. Papa to his grandchildren, to the end Jim enjoyed spending time with them.
Jim is survived by his spouse of 42 years, Kathy Lake, and his three children, Abraham WendLake (Kayla WendLake), Emily WendLake (Eric Strom), and Hannah Duffey (John Duffey). He is also survived by three grandchildren, Eleanor Strom, Sullivan Duffey, and Margot Duffey. Jim will be greatly missed by his three sisters and their spouses, Anne Lipsey (Sandy Lipsey), Bess Fitzgerald (Will Fitzgerald), and Jean Wend (Tom Weeks). Jim was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Bobby Wend, his son, Samuel WendLake, and his grandchild, Jonah James Duffey.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 4:00 pm on July 23, 2021 at the shelter at picnic area #1 at Doctors Park, 1870 East Fox Lane, Fox Point, WI . Doctors Park is located on the border of Fox Point and Bayside on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that donations be made to the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center Youth Sailing Programs.
Milwaukee Community Sailing Center
1450 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202