James Emanuel Berg Jr. age 73, of rural Blair, died on Tuesday, December 13, 2016.

Jim was born on December 20, 1942 in LaCrosse to James and Isla (Austad) Berg Sr. He graduated from the Blair High School in 1961 and attended the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse. Jim retired as an engineer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation where he worked for 37 years.

Jim married Carolyn Zemlicka Nixdorf on June 30, 2001 in Blair. He was formerly married to the late Mary Tyvand of Arcadia.

Jim was an Eagle Scout, served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post #231. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, making bluebird houses, birdwatching and gardening. He also enjoyed his antique tractors and was a member of the Beaches Corner Classic Tractor Club.

Jim's pride in his family, working hard, and enjoyment of nature shone brightly each day. Jim especially enjoyed his time on the waters of the Chippewa Flowage where he spent many hours musky fishing and received a plaque from Muskies Inc. for a prize catch. In more recent years his focus switched to smaller fish with his new fishing companion, Carolyn. He enjoyed many hours with all of his grandchildren, sharing his knowledge and passion for nature.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carolyn; two children, Paul (Sheyla) Berg of Blair and Lisa (Neil) Schroeder of Warrens; three step-children, Erin (Andrew) Wait of Stillwater, MN, Ben (Chrissy) Nixdorf of Chicago, IL and Kathryn Nixdorf of Lino Lakes, MN; five grandchildren, Alexis Schroeder, Marcella and Drake Wait, Samuel and Hazel Nixdorf; a sister, Cynthia (Layne) Anderson of Blair.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Gregory Berg.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Blair Lutheran Church West. Pastor Benjamin Ahles-Iverson will officiate. Burial will be in the Rest Haven Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 2-5 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Blair and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.