James Christian "Jiggs" Moen, age 91, of Melrose, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2016 in the Grand View Care Center in Blair while getting ready to go for a ride to see his beloved former home on Chepultapek and listening to his favorite country music, with his cherished daughters at his side.

Jiggs was born on January 15, 1925 on Chepultapek in Trempealeau County, WI to Christ and Ella (Mustad) Moen, as the seventh child of thirteen siblings. Jiggs joined the United States Army in 1945 and was honored to serve his country in the chemical warfare unit from 1945 – 1947. Upon returning home from the Army, Jiggs married Ethel Jacobson on March 6, 1948 in the Blair Lutheran Church parsonage, where he had also been baptized and confirmed.

Jiggs was well known in the area for being one of the strongest men, which was proven by his professions, farming and logging. When asked which job he liked the best, he said, "I loved them both the same".

Jiggs worked in the woods along with his son, Steve and grandson, Danny, until he was 78 years old, despite having a logging accident in April of 1977 where he was told that he would never walk again and would most certainly never work in the woods again. Jiggs' work ethic was another reason he was well known, and when he retired from working in the woods, it was 2003 and he was 78 years old.

Jigg's love of life and of all he cherished, such as his love for spending time with his family, being Norwegian, and enjoying country and bluegrass music and laughter, was known to all who knew and loved him. Jiggs was truly the best of the best, a man who was taught his family that even in times of great sadness, memories of good times past will sustain and comfort in addition to the healing powers of laughter. Jiggs was well known for his practical jokes. As Jiggs said often, "You can't beat fun for a good time", and for those who loved him, our happy memories are a gift.

Jiggs is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ethel; a son, Steven (Selina) Moen of Black River Falls; two daughters, Claudia (John) Singleton of Black River Falls and Jane Moen of Melrose; six grandchildren, Jackie (Mike) Moen-Kadlec, Brandon (Kayla) Chandler, Carrie (Ruben) Chandler, Donovan Chandler, Michelle Moen and Carlie (Matt) Chandler; eleven great-grandchildren, three sisters, Cindy Lynch of Duncansville, TX, Betty Jane Cartrette of Blair and Beverly Ann Sather of Milwaukee; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Moen of Milwaukee and Mavis Olson of Whitehall; a brother-in-law, Ardell Jacobson of Blair.

In addition to his parents, Jiggs was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Dan Moen; six sisters, Clara Semb, Viola Miller, Harriet Hanson, Lucille "Lu" Martin, Myrtle "Myrt" Erickson and Evelyn "Toots" Anderson; three brothers, Clarence, Duane "Toke" and Milton "Mickey" Moen; ten brothers-in-law, Leonard Semb, Bob Miller, Ivan Hanson, John Martin, James Lynch, Bert Cartrette, Bob Sather, Spencer Anderson, Mickey Tranberg and Lyle Olson; a sister-in-law, Betty Moen.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in the Upper Beaver Creek Lutheran Church in rural Taylor. Pastor Benjamin Ahles-Iverson will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 5, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Blair and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.