James Kohl

James S. Kohl, age 91, entered into heaven on Sunday November 14, 2021 at SSM St. Mary’s Care Center after a brave four year journey with dementia. Jim was born in Madison on December 6, 1929 and was the son of Jennes and Anastacia (Cassidy) Kohl.

Jim was a 1948 graduate of Madison East High School where he excelled in Track and Field. In 1950,  Jim met the love of his life Donna Jean Hodgson on a blind date. They married on February 10, 1951 after Jim was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict. He and Donna were stationed at Camp Polk in Louisiana and Fort Sill in Oklahoma. After the war, they returned to Madison where Jim resumed his career at the Wisconsin Telephone Company. They lovingly raised five children near West High School.

During his early years, Jim enjoyed playing for many men’s  fast pitch championship softball  teams. He also enjoyed golf, bowling, pheasant hunting and Canadian fishing trips.  He loved sports; The Badgers, the Packers and the Brewers. He worked the daily crossword puzzle and loved word search puzzles. He enjoyed family gatherings.

Jim retired from the Telephone Company in 1986 after 38 years.  After retirement, Jim and Donna built their “dream house” on a hill between Middleton and Cross Plains. Their retirement years have been spent entertaining family in their beloved home, traveling to the Northwoods and southwest Florida for vacations with family and friends. They were always present to help anyone who was in need. Four years ago, Jim's health declined.  Donna has lovingly cared for Jim in their home throughout his journey.

With heavy hearts we say good-bye to our wonderful husband, dad and grandfather!

He is survived by his beloved wife Donna; son Jim (Mary), Park Falls, daughter Janis Licklider (Gary), Verona, son Jeff, Appleton, son John (Susie) Madison, daughter Jennifer Nichols (Tom), Delafield, 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and his brother John (Reggie), Madison.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, brothers; Jerome and Patrick, his mother and father-in-law John and Celia Hodgson and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Our family wishes to thank the staff of SSM St Mary’s Care Center and SSM Hospice for their compassionate care of Jim.  A private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to; Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, PO Box 32141, NY, NY. 10087 or Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

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