SYRACUSE - Jim Tranter, Ogden Point Road, Syracuse, will lead the 2006 Wawasee Flotilla on July 2, as he joins the list of other dignitaries as Flotilla Commodore.

"It's a surprise and also an honor," said Tranter, who has lived at Lake Wawasee for 40 years. "It's an honor to be chosen among a very elite group," he said, recalling watching all the past flotilla commodores and even driving the commodore boat for a number of the individuals. "Walking in the same footsteps as Eli Lilly is an honor."

Tranter is currently vice president of Wawasee Property Owners Association and former chairman and volunteer with the Wawasee Lake Patrol.

He has given numerous hours of volunteer time to the Lake Patrol, keeping the waters of Lake Wawasee safe for all recreation and helping those boaters in need.

"I've always been so awestruck about the lake itself, what mother nature has given us to enjoy it. It's such a beautiful lake. Of all the traveling (we have done), nothing can compare to the beauty of the lake, and living on the lake you do tend to compare (other lakes to Wawasee).

"Anyone who has had the privilege to be on or stay on Lake Wawasee will know what a beautiful gift God has given to all of us. I am pleased to be able to affiliate myself with the many local organizations that work hard to preserve this precious asset."

Tranter first came to the lake as a young boy when his parents purchased a cottage on Bayshore Beach in 1949. Every weekend from mid-May to Labor Day were spent at the lake. In 1955 the family moved to Sunrise Beach.

"My childhood years on Lake Wawasee were very memorable. I was active in the local ski club. I was privileged to be able to work at one of the local marina's: Macy's Wawasee Slip. I worked there all through high school and college. After college, I took a job that took me off the lake, however, I vowed to come back to Lake Wawasee some day. To help make this plan come true I decided to locate in Syracuse when I opened my business, Tranter Graphics, in 1979."

Tranter and his wife, Karen, purchased their own lake home in 1995, built on part of the old Seth Ward property. However, that home burnt in 1998, but their dream home was rebuilt on that sight.

But his community service goes beyond the Lake Patrol and WPOA.

He served as member and board president of Syracuse Town Council from 1976-79, was active in the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning from 1990 to 1994, and served on the Syracuse BZA for 12 years. He also served as a member of the Kosciusko County Council for 12 years.

He has been a member of Syracuse Lions Club for over 30 years and served as its president on two difference occasions. Through the Lions Club, his company, Tranter Graphics, has donated such items as napkins, cups and other items to several hundred organizations.

Tranter is an active member of St. Martin DePorres Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He is a 1964 graduate of Western Michigan University and started Tranter Graphics in 1979. In 2001 he and his wife retired from the family business, selling the business to their thee children: Tammy, Patrick and Jennelle.

He and his wife, Karen, reside on North Ogden Point Road, Syracuse. [[In-content Ad]]