James (AKA Jim, to all who were close to him) was born on September 7, 1945, in Milwaukee, and born to Eternal Life on May 10, 2020, at the age of 74.

Jim’s parents, Edward and Marion (nee Leidy), and his two sisters, Linda Jossi and Cheryl Bogatz preceded him in death.  He was survived by his wife of 52 years, Christine (nee Grandinetti), and two children, Carla (Mike Brewer) and Andrew.  His surviving siblings are Dennis, Rick (Mary), and Susan (Dennis) Jesse.  He also has many nieces and nephews, as well as their children, who will miss him immensely.  Jim was always the life of the parties at any Christman function.

Jim retired from We Energies (formally WEPCO) in 2007, after 38 years of continuous employment and dedicated service.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965, served for the required 2 years, and was honorably discharged.  After his initial training, he was deployed to South Korea for his full term of service.

Jim enjoyed many social groups, including the Independent Order of Foresters and the American Legion located in Butler.  He was a life member of the VFW Post #1691- Runge- Graham.  He was very active from the time that he joined in 1990 until his stroke in 2012.  He held many elected positions, including multiple years as the Post Commander.  He was also a member of the Milwaukee Elks Lodge #46 from 1982 until his death.

Jim was a very avid bowler most of his adult life.  He was active in many leagues, sometimes a part of more than one per year.  He attended numerous state and national tournaments throughout the years.

A few of his hobbies included building model cars, jigsaw, and crossword puzzles and watching People’s Court and Judge Judy.  An interesting fact about Jim is that he was admitted to hospice in July of 2017, but asked to leave in August, just 45 days later, because he was “too healthy.”

Although he is gone from the physical world, he will always be with us in spirit.  Those who had the pleasure of knowing him will miss his stories and quick wit.  He loved to laugh and joke around with everyone.  We will miss you, Jim!

Saturday July 11, 2020, at Milwaukee Elks Lodge #46, located at 5555 West Good Hope Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Visitation from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.  Lodge of Sorrow to begin at 3:00 PM, with military honors to follow immediately.  All are welcome to attend.