James Dominic “Jimmy” Pulera, Sr, of Kenosha passed away peacefully surrounded by his children and grandchildren on December 31, 2022, at Froedtert South – Pleasant Prairie.
Born in Kenosha in the Columbus Park neighborhood on January 15, 1933, to Italian immigrants Rosario and Rose (LePera) Pulera, Jimmy was one of eight children. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was educated at Bane School.
On September 2, 1961, he married Jacqueline Ann “Jackie” McCarthy at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Not long after, they purchased the home in which they would both live and raise their children for the remainder of their lives across the street from the church, a home that would become a safe haven, a staple in the lives for all who knew, a place of love and gathering for all who entered. Jackie preceded him in death on April 12, 2015.
Jimmy diligently served as one of Kenosha and Racine’s most renowned and respected car salesmen for over 45 years. When not selling cars, he was an artist devoted to his craft. A master woodworker and carpenter, Jimmy produced a tremendous amount of unspeakable work over the course of his life. Whether it be making countless renovations to his home or carefully crafting fine humidors, tables, chairs, birdhouses, cabinets and clocks, he would never leave his workshop until he knew it was the best work of one man’s capability. Taking pride in the memory of his late wife, he became something of an amateur chef toward the end of his life, passionately cooking feasts of all kinds for family and friends or anybody who simply needed to be fed.
Survivors include three children: Joanie (Michael) Prescott, Tina Pulera, and Jimmy (Jill) Pulera, Jr.; A brother Frank Pulera; ten grandchildren: Bryanna, Brian, Kaylyn, Jake, Molly, Alexandria, Leah, Francesca, Dominic, and Mia; and seven great-grandchildren: Emma, Jace, Skylar, Hadley, Nora, Harper, and Kade. A man who firmly believed family was among the most important things in life, he adored each and every member of his immediate and extended family with an immense passion, a genuine love entirely serene, it will be felt and extended to all family and friends from beyond.
Aside from his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 7307 40th Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made in Jim’s name to the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org/donation, would be appreciated by the family.