Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2022
James Joseph Vig was born December 22, 1952, the son of Bernard Howard Vig (1915-1971) and Elizabeth Rose Lizzie Weldon Vig (1918-1985). His grandparents were Ole Ingval Olsen Vig (1885-1964) and Anna Christenson Kristiansdatter (1883-1964); and Charles “Chuck” William Weldon (1874-1936) and Minnie Josephine Hapstiŋna Otherday (1877-1959).
Approximately 42,000 American Indians – one of four eligible Native people compared to about one of twelve non-Natives – served in the armed forces during the war in Vietnam (1964-1975). One of them was James Joseph Vig, who served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.
The U.S. Navy participated in a wide variety of roles and missions during the Vietnam War. Navy combat artists recorded many of these activities, typically sharing the same dangers as the sailors and Marines they accompanied. At the peak of American involvement in the Vietnam War, in 1968, there were 38,000 Navy personnel in the Naval Forces Vietnam; this decreased to about 17,000 by the end of 1970. By the end of the war, the Navy played a minimal role in near-shore and in-country activities. The Navy utilized both modernized World War II-era carriers and new super carriers during the Vietnam War according to the Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum.
Twenty-one carriers participated in 86 war cruises. Task forces were deployed to two sectors off the coast of Vietnam – Yankee Station to the north and Dixie Station to the south.
James enjoyed cars and liked rebuilding older ones and working with motors. He also liked to hunt, fish, and collect antiques. He enjoyed spending time at his farm with his animals, especially his dogs and cats. He was a practical joker who liked to tease and have fun. He loved to laugh and always had a smile on his face.
James Joseph Vig, age 63, of Shakopee, a member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, journeyed to the Spirit World on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at his home.
Jim was survived by his children, Joey, Ricky (fiancée, Callie O’Meara), Juley; siblings, Dolly, Doris (Tim) Guion, John (Kathy), Sandy, Charlie (Donna); nephews, Steve (Tammy) Florez, Jimmy (Jill) Bigley, Bobby (Dulcie) Bigley, Don Matta, David Matta, Ron (Shari) Perrault, Jason (Kevin Head) Vig, John (Tara) Vig, Jr., Scott (Kristin) Vig, Andy (Anna) Vig, Austin Vig, Kevin Vig, Jesse Vig; nieces, Joann (Donnie) Vig Yahnke, Brooklyn Vig, Jamie (Brad) Vig, Lori Otherday, Candace (Jei) Garlitos, Melissa Vig.
Preceded by his parents, Bernard & Elizabeth; brother, Manuel Florez; sister Darlene Matta.
The funeral happened at the Tiowakan Spiritual Center in Prior Lake. Interment with military honors was held at Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Cemetery, according to the McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation website.
One friend, Sheree, noted “They say time heals all wounds, I cannot tell. Jim was loved by everyone, not just me. The neatest thing about Jim was that he liked to help people. People from all over, from all walks of life would show up at our doorstep with their stories and he would at least hear them out and always help if he could. He was such a sweetheart and will be missed by many, many people.”
For more information about Ṡakpe I, Tínṫa Otuŋwe, and the Dakota, Hoċokata Ti [ho-cho-kah-tah-tee] the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s (SMSC) cultural center and gathering space, is worth visiting. The public exhibit, “Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake,” enhance the knowledge and understanding of the Mdewakanton Dakota people and their history. Hoċokata Ti is at 2300 Tiwahe Circle, Shakopee, MN 55379. (952) 233-9151.
Bibliography
“James J. Vig Obituary.” McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation. https://www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/James-J-Vig?obId=1152179.
“Taking the Seas: The Rise of the American Aircraft Carrier.” Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/exhibits/taking-seas-rise-american-aircraft-carrier.