James A. Jesse

On Saturday, August 4, 2018 James Allan Jesse passed away. He was born on July 19, 1945 to James Winfield Jesse and Evalyn Jean (Washburn) Jesse of Nekoosa, Wisconsin. Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years Sharon (Kautzer) Jesse of Oconomowoc, WI, daughter, Laura Krause (Nicholas) of Weston, WI, two sons, Michael and Nicholas Jesse of Oconomowoc, WI, and two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Kaitlyn Krause of Weston, WI. Jim is also survived by an older but much wiser sister, Patricia Gadow (John) of Madison, WI. “I needed to tease you one more time Sis.” Also nephews, Pete Natzke and Jeff Gruel (Lori), and nieces, Allie Machtan (Jamie) and Jenny Spuhler (Tom) and sisters-in-law Charlene Kawleski (Dale), Kay Enerson, Kathy Bloczynski (Jerry) plus other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his older sister, Jo Anne Jesse, his mother, his father and brothers-in-law and good friends, David Gruel and Phil Enerson. Jim joined the Navy in 1966 and was trained as a Hospital Corpsman. He was attached to the Marine Corp for the majority of his four years of service. Jim was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois; Camp La June, NC; Camp Pendleton, CA and Annapolis, MD. He served 12 months in Vietnam, February 1968-1969, with the 2nd Battalion 27th Marines Company G receiving a Purple Heart. Prior to joining the Navy Jim attended the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse, WI and after leaving the Navy attended the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, WI. He was a long time employee of Milwaukee Insurance Company and retired in January of 2005. Jim served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 49 in Summit, Wisconsin for 12 years. For many years he also was a soccer coach with the Oconomowoc Soccer Association for boys age levels U8 through U16. Proud member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years and a member of the First Congregational UCC church in Oconomowoc. He enjoyed traveling, trying new foods, spending time with family and friends, especially his good Vet buddy, Eddie Meier. Funeral services will be held at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc on Friday, August 17, 2018. Visitation will start at 12:30pm with a service at 1:30pm. Jim will be interred at the Village of Port Edwards Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your local Boy/Girl Scout organization or local youth soccer association.