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 of 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 the Kenosha Shrine Club, an organization of the 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
