(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
James Gename, born December 23, 1932 in Kenosha, WI to Kenneth and Lucille (Young) Gename, passed away peacefully at his home on October 13, 2025. He grew up in Kenosha and spent cherished time at the family home in Ellison Bay, WI in Door County.
After high school, Jim proudly served in the Navy for four years active duty and four years in the reserves, where he served as Band Director and had the opportunity to meet many stars.
On June 13, 1953, he married Janice Kolb. They spent their early years of marriage in Groton, CT, where their son Roger was born. Following his military service, Jim built a successful career, working first at Jay’s Potato Chips, then as a supervisor at American Motors where he retired. After retirement, he continued working at Badger Cork in Trevor, WI.
Jim and Janice celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on February 28, 2004. He found love again, marrying Joyce Angelici on March 4, 2007, until her passing on February 4, 2010. Jim then married Joan Pfeifer on July 4, 2011, and they shared 14 beautiful years together until his death.
A man of strong Christian faith and values, Jim was devoted to his family and community. He and Janice were longtime members of First Christian Church where they raised their family, and in recent years, he became a member of First Presbyterian Church.
Jim’s commitment to service extended beyond his family. He became a member of the Masonic Lodge on February 17, 1959, and later joined Kenosha Shrine Club, an organization of Tripoli Temple. His involvement with the Shrine Club was particularly meaningful—he served as President in 1986 and dedicated himself to raising money for children at Shrine Hospitals, work that brought him great joy and fulfillment. He received many accolades for all that he did.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Joan Gename of Kenosha, WI; his three children: Roger (Margaret) Gename of Pardeeville, WI, Russ (Sharon) Gename of Kenosha, WI, and Robin (Phil) Wade of Kenosha, WI; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; and siblings Patsy Shuler and Carol (Jim) Schweitzer.
He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Lucille Gename; wives Janice and Joyce Gename; son Scott Gename; sisters Shirley Spence and JoAnn Johnson; brothers-in-law Kenneth Belongia, Vince Shuler, Cliff Johnson, and Don Spence; and great-grandson Cole Wade.
A short outdoor service will be held at Sunset Ridge Cemetery (4300 Green Bay Road, Kenosha, WI) on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kenosha Shrine Club would be appreciated and can be sent to 3431 86th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142.
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Ann Krulatz Rosmann says:
Sending condolences to Russ, Sharon, Robin, and families on the loss of your father. May your lifetime memories of your Dad ease the sorrow you feel today and always.
Dave Spence says:
He was my uncle, and to me in my early life he was larger than life in many ways. As a young adault and beyond, we gave meaningful advice and example. Sometimes a comment, many times in his actions, always meaningful. Roger, Russ & Robin, I’m sure you all had similar experiences. Wonderful man, lived a good life. My sincere condolences & admiration to the Jim Gename family. We were all blessed to have him in our lives.
Elaine doxtater says:
His family was so special!!!! Roger, Russ and Robin. Love to you all.
Bob LeFebve says:
Jim was truly the ” Leader of the Band ” and left a legacy that will be difficult to fill. Too his children Roger, Russ, Robin and wife Joan he will be missed. His siblings and grandchildren what an example he left for you to follow. There is not a child from our area that received care at the Shriners Hospital in Chicago that wasn’t aided by his efforts though his leadership in the Kenosha Shrine Club. Love all his family.
Tag kimball says:
As a little boy my parents lived across the alley from Jim and Janice. What I remember most is they had a big pool and very private red deck and fence around it with two sets of steps to enter the deck. They must have gotten tired of me being the little nosy boy neighbor asking to swim. They told me Tag when you see this red flag up on their deck it means I could come swim. I checked for it every day in the summer. I swam like a rock. They tied a rope on a black inter tube and sent me to the middle of it. I loved it. They gave me a memory of a life time or at least 55yrs. Thanks. Rest in peace.
Gary Christofferson says:
I had the pleasure of working with Jim at AMC. Jim was a mentor in many ways. My condolences to the family.
Vera Mancini says:
My sincerest condolences to all Jim’s family, especially to Joan, my high school classmate. My condolences also to all his family, who are the kindest and most caring people, just like their Dad. May he rest in the arms of the angels.
Linda Sherfinski says:
I worked for Jim at AMC and he was a terrific guy. My sympathy to the entire family and especially, Russ, who I also worked with. Like father, like son, they were wonderful bosses and friends. Your memories of Jim will carry you through the difficult days ahead. Sincerely, Linda Sherfinski.