James R. Maddocks

James R. Maddocks, beloved son, grandson, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend was born to life on February 5, 1920. He was born to eternal life on May 14, 2010, having recently celebrated his 90th birthday with a huge party in which he sang “I’m 90 years old…” admirably.

Jim lived a full life. He had quite the Huck Finn upbringing as he grew up as an adventurous young lad in Superior, WI. Oh, the stories he would tell.

He enlisted in the Army on December 18, 1941, with the hope that he would be deployed with his best friend, Charlie McKeague, who eventually would become his brother-in-law.

He served in the Army Air Corps as a crew chief in North Africa, Italy, India and Burma. His one regret was that as he traveled his way around the world he lost a day that he would never get back, since he didn’t go back around again. Oh, the stories he would tell.

Upon his return in 1945, he returned to a teaching college in Superior, graduating in 1948. In August of 1948 he married the girl next door, Nancy (nee: McKeague). He was offered a teaching job at Washington Junior High which brought him to Racine. Nancy would join him in November. He taught there until he was offered a position teaching math at Horlick High School. He retired in 1983.

He had many interests in his life, although his family was at the top of the list. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Jim (Jean nee: Gergen); daughter, Nancy (Karl Frederick); son, Tom (Kitty nee: Neeb); daughter, Mary (Ken Waldo); and daughter, Peggy Buck; 14 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by grandson James Buck.

Jim was an active member in the Knights of Columbus as financial secretary for many years. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, reading, telling stories and sitting fireside up north at “The cabin.”

We would like to thank the fine people at Harmony Assisted Living of of Kenosha as well as Hospice Alliance, who took such loving and companionate care of him in his final days. We’d also like to thank the many friends who have been praying for him. God bless you all.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 21, 2010, at 1 p.m. at St. John Nepomuk Church,1903 Green St., with Rev. Curt Frederick officiating. Visitation will be held Friday at the church from 11 a.m. followed by the mass at 1 p.m. Private entombment with full military honors will be held at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. In lieu of flowers, the family will donate all memorials to the Knights of Columbus.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888