James L. Cork

James Lee Cork, 61, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025 surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. James was born on June 12, 1964 to James R. Cork and Janice Chevaliar in Detroit, Michigan.

He worked as a machine operator in the paper industry for several years. James later worked as a bartender where he met the love of his life, Candie. James was united in marriage to Candice VanDen Plas on February 14, 2007.

He enjoyed sharing his love of music, video games and movies with his children. James would get off work in the morning, undeterred by the winter snow, and make steak and eggs on the grill for Crystal and Tabatha. He often shared stories of his adventures around the country when he was younger. He loved playing pool and cribbage with his brother Bryan, watching movies and documentaries and sitting by the river watching the sunset with his wife. Above all, James loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. His favorite names were “grandpa” and “Papa Jim.”

During his final months, James enjoyed his phone calls with his aunts and his weekly "fellowship" with his cousin, Karen. James often talked about how blessed he was to have such an amazing bond with his family. While cancer may have taken his life, it also changed him as a person. James was a better husband, father and grandfather. James Lee- you are loved to Heaven and back. We will miss you always. Thank you for the memories we made.

He is survived by his wife, Candie; their children: Crystal Cork, Tabatha Cork, Christopher Poquette, Nicholas Poquette, Trevor Poquette, Makayla (Jesse) Zipperer, and Brooklynn (Taylor) Poquette; his ten grandchildren: Dantevis, Paris, Marquis, Jenesis, Legend, Azaha, Adrion, Aaliyah, Aleena and Harrison; and his brother-in-laws: Joseph (Patty) VanDen Plas, James (Deborah) VanDen Plas, Dale (Darlene) VanDen Plas, Ed (Penny) Lannoye, Dale (Wendy) Lannoye; and his sister-in-law, Mary Fox. He is further survived by special friends: Bryan Goffard, Anthony, Nathan and Sarah Steffens and family, Kristy Ray and family, Candie Thomas and family, Dan and Barb Geurts and family.

James is preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother in-law, Norbert and Gloria VanDen Plas, Don Beyer, and his friend, Garnet.

The family would like to thank the Bellin Cancer Team as well as Unity Hospice, especially nurses Alesha and Nicky and social worker Kathy. Your compassionate care during this difficult time truly made a meaningful difference to James and his family. Additional thanks to the staff and families at Stepping Stones Childcare - Ashwaubenon for their unwavering love and support of James and Candie.

The family will be holding a private memorial service at a later date.