James "Mike" Wickman, 58, of Staples, died Nov 23, 2009, at Bethany Good Samaritan in Brainerd, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

Mike very generously deeded his body to medical science. A memorial service will be held in his honor at the Staples Assembly of God Church, Dec. 20, 2009, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Arrangements are with the Iten Funeral Home, Browerville.

Mike was born July 27, 1951, at the military hospital in Shirley, Massachusetts, to Paul David and Evelyn May (Dawkins) Wickman. He was raised in many stateside and overseas military installations. He married Wendy Ramsdell on Nov. 30 1972 and to this union were two children, Kelly and Tony. They were happily married until Wendy's tragic death in 1994.

Mike married MaryBeth Hughes in New York and to this union were three children, Timothy, Colleen and Caroline.

Mike was a career soldier. He honorably served over 20 years in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam, retiring as a Staff Sergeant in the Military Police Corps. After his retirement, he spent the next 16 years driving truck, with Russ Davis in Wadena and then Con-Way Central Express (CCX), in Baxter and St. Cloud. Mike enjoyed traveling, movies and spending time with family and friends.

Mike was a member of the Staples Host Lions, Motley Tri-County American Legion, Staples VFW, and Non-Commissioned Officers' Association of America.

Mike is survived by his wife, MaryBeth; two sons, Tony (Caren), stationed in Germany; Timothy, Staples; three daughters, Kelly (Travis), Missouri; Colleen and Caroline, Staples; three grandchildren, his mother, Evelyn, Texas; one sister, Patricia, Washington; two brothers, Alfred, Texas and David in Florida.

He was preceded in death by his father, two brothers, Paul Robert and an infant brother, Thomas Alan; and his first wife.

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