Jim always went along with my antics. Normally we would enter an establishment with my wearing a classic Derby hat. Somewhat uncommon and certainly drawing attention. As situations are prone to do I found myself in an altercation with a few fellows. It would appear that somehow  I had mistaken all of the young ladies as unescorted. As the boyfriends gathered around to rearrange my face. Jim Voelzke my pal, stepped in to save my hide. Did he punch someone? No! Did he yell and threaten that they should leave his friend alone? No! He calmly turned to the bartender and said in a very loud voice, said; "Excuse me bartender, Mr. Peckham, the gentleman in the English bowler would like to buy everyone a drink!" My skin was saved Jim got himself another drink and I spent $200+. He loved himself for that one turned to me, with his enigmatic smile and said, "Thanks Peckerhead!" He only called me Peckham if I was buying leather. He would let me go down but he always extracted a price and smile. Gosh I miss him! 

So sorry for this loss to all of us that benefited from knowing Jim. I  can't really say that he led me astray!! But I can say he bailed me out of a few scrapes of my own making. This news, that I learned today has left me tearful, crestfallen and disconsolate. I'm pretty sure that is angel is having good chuckle that I would admit such a thing. I'll be looking for you Jim further on down the road!

To say that Jim was like family is an understatement.  Jim was a lifelong friend of my father.  Lynda and Gayle then became friends and we kids all grew up together.  It is so rare and wonderful to know people as loving and kind as the Voelzkes.  They always made us feel welcomed and loved in their home.  Jim's passing is a huge loss.  We will miss him so much and our hearts are with his family right now.  I posted a photo of one of my favorite memories. (there are many) One time during one of our summer vacations, we were at the beach. Dad and Jim decided to fly kites. They promptly got them all tangled up and they started blaming each other.  This resulted in a lot of laughter from the wives and the kids.  Thanks for all of the memories.  We love you all so much. -The Hasslingers

Untangling Kites

Dana,Ryan,Erin,

  My heart &love go out to you all. We all spent a lot of wonderful times together. May he rest in peace.

Thinking of the entire Voelzke family and so saddened by this loss. Have so many fond memories of Jim over the years. Days out on the lake, evening cocktails, and so many laughs. He was such a warm and charming person and will be so missed. 

My heartfelt condolences along with much peace to the Voelzke family, and to Jim’s everlasting spirit.

My deepest sympathy and  condolences to all of Jim's fmly.

Dana/Ryan/Erin - l’m sad for your loss. Jim tried to help me during trying times so I will remember him as kind and non-judgemental to me. And what a smile and humor he had when he held his hand out to welcome you. I’ll miss him always and wish your family grace to hold him in your memories.

My deepest sympathy to Jim’s family and friends.  Jim was a great man and true friend.  

My heartfelt condolences go out to all of Jim's family.  Jim's death has also left a large void in my own life as I know it has in yours.   Jim and I met several years ago through a mutual friend.  As we were getting to know one another,  I mentioned that I'd always wanted to learn  something about sailing.  When he asked:  "What are you doing tomorrow?",  I naturally assumed he was joking. ... He was not!  Over the years we spent many enjoyable days sailing out of the Fairewether Yacht Club in Black Rock Harbor on the Jackpot and, later, the (somewhat ill-fated) Misdemeanor (with Jim as the "Captain" and me as a rank "able-bodied seaman").  As it developed, we discovered that we both enjoyed skiing and SCUBA diving.  We skied at about the same level and Jim was a good, careful, and safe diver.   So we took many trips to Southern Vermont in the winter,  staying at the Danbury Ski Club Lodge and skiing Stratton Mountain.   After ski season, there were usually dive trips to Cozumel and St. Lucia in the summer and fall.   I've lost both a good friend and companion ... RIP, my Captain; and I wish you calm seas and fair winds, my friend!