Died peacefully surrounded by his family on Oct. 3, 2024, following a two-month fight from a traumatic brain injury. He was 74.
He will be dearly missed by his devoted wife of 48 years Sammie (Shirley). Beloved children Kristin (Patrick) Drye of Mannedorf, Switzerland; Andrew (Elisa) of Madison, Wisconsin; Carrie (Aaron) Gulotta of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Cherished grandchildren Halina, Keegan, Alexandra and Annalise Drye, Madelyn, Warren and Mabel Romanowich, Lucia Gulotta. Siblings Dolores Andre of Milwaukee, Jan Dalsky of Mayville, Wisconsin, Terri Cardenas of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Denise (Dan) Coleman of Brown Deer, Wisconsin, Gary (Cheri) of Slinger, Wisconsin, Judy (Jamie) Smith of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Also 14 nieces and nephews, 20 great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Helen Romanowich.
Jim fiercely loved his family and could always be counted on when needed. A Realtor before he retired, his knowledge of buying and selling properties was extensive. For years he volunteered as a fryer for parish fish fries, his hands still scarred from the hot oil. He was happiest outdoors, cherishing time spent at the cabin in Three Lakes, WI. He loved to fish, hunt and feed the birds and was a careful steward of natural resources. His brisket, barbeque wings, omelets, and variety of soups were unmatched. We’ll always remember his cornball sense of humor, the endearing nicknames he gave people, and his passion for making firewood. The love he gave so quietly and unselfishly will remain in our hearts.
Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive Brookfield, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 7 PM. Additional visitation at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, W314 N7462 WI-83, Hartland, WI 53029 Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial to follow at Upper Hartland Cemetery, 209 Hill Street, Hartland, Wisconsin,
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund https://wisconservation.networkforgood.com/projects/207217-cherish-wisconsin-outdoors-fund
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