James J. Clay, Jr.

James J. Clay, Jr., 61, of Minocqua, died on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, surrounded by family at home under hospice, after battling pancreatic cancer for a year. He was born on December 20, 1962, in Belvidere, Ill., the son of James J. and Kaye (nee Boyle) Clay. Jim was a captain in the Army Nurse Corp., having served in Desert Storm. He was active in the Civil Air Patrol and the commander of the Eagle River Composite Squadron. Jim was involved with Boy Scouts for over a decade, being an Eagle Scout himself; as well as a den leader, cub master, scout master, troop leader and serving on the District Committee. He was a previous accountant and former ER/pediatric nurse, goat farmer, avid collector, book reader, rock hound and cook.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, James; brother, John Clay; and uncle, Gary Ball. He is survived by mother, Kaye Abolins; wife, Tracy (nee Roinestad); children, Chancellor, Katherina and Kristiana; sister, Wendy Beimert; brother, Marc (Tracy) Clay; mother-in-law, Judy Roinestad; step mother, June Brinkman; nephews, Marcus, Matthew and Mitchell; nieces, Kaitlyn and Lindsie and his newest furry friend, Alma.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Woodruff, followed by a meal. Interment will be held at a later date at Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family to be placed in a college fund for James’ children. 

Bolger Cremation and Funeral Services is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.