James (Jim) E. Jochims, age 85, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at his home.
A memorial mass will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship. Father David Bruener will officiate. Full military honors will follow mass. Interment will be at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, Wisconsin at a later date.
James was born July 26, 1936, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The son of Edward and Sophia Jochims. His sister was Marilyn Peterson. He graduated from Libertyville Freemont Consolidated High School; was on the football team, boxing team, and played some baseball. He joined the army in 1954.
James married Dorothy Hinderyckx on April 18, 1955, in Libertyville, Illinois. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage. He served in the Army for 20 years, retiring as a Major in 1974. Some of the many exemplary accomplishments during his career include Green Beret, Ranger, Master Parachutist, Path Finder, and Jungle Expert training. He was the recipient of multiple awards which included: a Silver Star, a Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star(s) with valor, and Purple Heart(s).
A veteran of both the Korean War and Vietnam War, he also served in Japan, Panama, and multiple stateside assignments, which led to each of his 5 kids being born in a different state. After retirement, he worked in a couple civilian jobs and then owned a bar called Mainstreet.
James enjoyed fishing, wood working, wood carving, camping, hunting, fixing things, traveling, spending time with his family, and was a history buff. He did most of these with his wife along with playing cards and dancing in his early years. He enjoyed smoking meats for family gatherings. He was also known for his sense of humor and some of his practical jokes. He was an avid Packer fan. James was a member of the VFW, Knights of the Columbus, American Legion, and Airborne Association.
James was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and in-laws Leslie and Dorothy Hinderyckx.
Survivors include his wife Dorothy, their five children Victoria (James) Linstrom, Kevin (Jisuk) Jochims, Jennifer Jochims, Kelly (Paul) Malecki, and Colleen Kasten. 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He loved spending time with all the little ones.
In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
I had the absolute pleasure of serving as part of Jim’s care team at the VA and I will sorely miss my sessions with him and Dorothy. To Jim’s family: never have I met such fierce advocates for a Veteran, especially Dorothy. Jim was such a wonderful human being and there is a special place in Heaven for him. Dorothy, may God bless you in your time of grief, and always.
Jim will always be one of our favorites and it was an honor to serve him and be a part of his medical team at the VA. Dorothy and family were strong health advocates and provided an exceptional support system for Jim during his health difficulties. Thank you for your service, Jim and God Bless.
So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, Linda and I send our condolences. R.I.P. Jim….God Bless
Jim was a great man. We all loved him as a winter Texan, when him & Dorothy would come to Texas every year. So sorry for your loss.
We really enjoyed Jim’s company and sense of humour. So sorry for you loss of a great man.
Always enjoyed Jim and Dorothy in Texas. Will miss him down there
Had a good chuckle reading the part about his sense of humor and practical jokes. Every time I was at your house in Cedarburg, there was something brewing. You could see it in his eyes! He lives on in you all.
Sending my condolences to the Jochims family. Although I only met him a few times I know he & his wife both instilled acceptance & respect for people from all walks of life in his children that they try to pass onto their own children. I have only heard of him being only spoken with respect & praise. He had to be a wonderful man since his children have all turned out wonderful in their own right!
Our condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and friend. May your time together be treasured forever.
I have many fond memories of Mr. Jochims. Much love to all of you.
Sorry for your loss
Sorry Mrs Kelly and family for your loss