DONALD R. JAMES

Donald R. James, age 81, of Downing, Wisconsin, died Monday, August 29, 2016, at Comforts of Home in Hudson, Wisconsin, surrounded by family after living with Alzheimer’s Disease for over 10 years.

Don was born July 6, 1935, at the family home South of Downing to Clyde and Leora (Stone) James. He graduated from Glenwood City High School in 1953 where he developed his love of baseball as a pitcher. He spent 2 years in the Army, 18 months of that in Germany where he played regimental baseball.

On June 24, 1961, Don married Juanita Alleman. They built a house in Downing and raised four children. Don’s true passion was his garden, where he grew prized raspberries, corn, strawberries and every other fruit and vegetable imaginable with never a weed allowed to interfere. Don managed the Midland Feed Mill and later drove gas truck, where he loved to exchange stories with his customers. Don’s heart belonged to the Green Bay Packers, the Wisconsin Badgers, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Glenwood City Hilltoppers. He was a volunteer member of the Chain Gang for the Hilltopper football games for many years. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed his weekly nights with his bowling buddies. He enjoyed ice fishing and deer hunting with his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Wesley, sisters Hazel Couch, Genevieve Schuett and Helen Krig.

He is survived by wife, Juanita, his four children JoAnn James, Rick (Jean) James, Cindy (Chuckie) DeSmith and Kevin (Kelly) James, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, brothers Edwin (Ardy) James and Harold (Alievia) James, sister Mary Smith, and further survived by many other loving relatives and friends.

Services were held Friday, Sept. 2, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Downing, WI with Chaplain Steve Kaehr officiating. Burial was in the Mound Cemetery Downing. Local arrangements by the Anderson Funeral Home Glenwood City.