Jim Tabaka
All Around Nice Guy - Navy
Jim Tabaka is a lifetime resident of Lakeville, MN. His family were early settlers of Lakeville. He is a lifetime member of Lakeville VFW Post 210 since 1973
Military History
Enlisted int the U.S. Navy on 14 June 1967. On completion of boot camp at Great Lakes Illinois, Jim had Air Crew Survival and Safety Equipment Training at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, NJ. He then was assigned to search and rescue on Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean.
After 13 months on Midway Island, Petty Officer 3rd Class Tabaka was assigned to Attack Squadron (VA-56) located at Naval Air Station, Lemoore CA and was deployed to the Vietnam Coast aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. In completion of that tour Tabaka transferred to sister squadron VA-146 aboard the aircraft carrier USS America which relieved the USS Ranger. Upon completion of that tour Tabaka received an early out and was Honorably Discharged at N.A.S.A in Lemoore, CA on 15 January 1971.
After 13 months on Midway Island, Petty Officer 3rd Class Tabaka was assigned to Attack Squadron (VA-56) located at Naval Air Station, Lemoore CA and was deployed to the Vietnam Coast aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. In completion of that tour Tabaka transferred to sister squadron VA-146 aboard the aircraft carrier USS America which relieved the USS Ranger. Upon completion of that tour Tabaka received an early out and was Honorably Discharged at N.A.S.A in Lemoore, CA on 15 January 1971.
Personal Bio:
Born in Lakeville, Graduated from Lakeville High School in 1965. Went on to serve in the Navy 1967-1971. Returned to Lakeville and married his wife Linda in 1973. Raised 2 children Stephanie and Jarrod. Now have 4 grandsons: Connor, Evan, Logan and Ethan.
Worked in Fencing industry since 1973. Purchased Midwest Fence and MFG Company in 1992 and retired in 2016.
Voted "2013 Lakeville High School Distinguished Alumni"
Community Volunteer and Sponsor for Taste of Lakeville, Pan O Prog, VFW Miracle League at King Park and Farmington Ramble Jam.
