James R. O’Loughlin, age 75, of Adams, died Monday, May 4, 2015 at the Agnesian Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac, WI following a long battle with cancer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father James P. McNamee will officiate. Interment will be at the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery in Friendship. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass on Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Jim was born October 15, 1939 in Fond du Lac to Ray and Jane (Hill) O’Loughlin. He graduated from Horace Mann High School in North Fond du Lac. He served in the US Army from 1958-1963 and served with the Combat Engineers.
He married Joan Sage on April 27, 1963 at Presentation Church in North Fond du Lac. The couple lived in North Fond du Lac before moving to Adams in 1977. Jim worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as an engineer for 40 years before retiring in 2001.
Jim enjoyed spending time up north at the cabin, playing his harmonica, playing cards, boating, playing horseshoes, and spending time with his grandchildren. Jim was also “famous” for his joke telling. Jim was extremely proud of his Oneida heritage and enjoyed being a part of the annual Oneida Pow-Wow. He had many fond childhood memories of spending time with his Grandmother, Dr. L Rosa Minoka-Hill on the Oneida Indian reservation. He enjoyed his woodworking and beadwork. The last two years of his life Jim enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Trike, “Frankie”.
Jim was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and was a Eucharist Minister for St. Joseph’s. Jim was also a member of The American Legion Red Cloud Post 250 and The American Legion Riders.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Jane O’Loughlin, his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Joan, his brother David O’Loughlin, brother Daniel O’Loughlin, and sister Janet Merz.
He is survived by son, Richard (Diane) O’Loughlin of Oak Creek; daughter Molly (Doug) Wiese of Friendship; grandson Brian O’Loughlin of Kenosha; granddaughter Brenna Bays of Friendship; grandson Collin Bays of Friendship; sister Carol O. Smart of Waukesha; sister Mary Jo (Terry) Burns of Cottage Grove MN; and brother Shawn (Janet) O’Loughlin of Fond du Lac. Jim is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The American Legion Red Cloud Post 250 or to The American Legion Riders.
James, I started as a Cadet in August of 1975. Jim Aulwes and I hit it off at the bninengig. I worked 3-11. So did he. Jim, Tom Ackerman and John Fink worked east end. I remember Linda would pull up on the east lot at 22:30. She’d be in a blue Ford van waiting on Jim to get off. I remember when she was pregnant with Jimmy. Not long after that, here come the girls. I remember visiting with them often on that parking lot. When I made Officer I worked over near Highland Court. Jim and Linda lived at 11th and Adams. When we would be on midnights, I’d get a call to her house about every other night to a prowler. I’d switch over to another channel and tell Jim that I’d let him know once I got to his house. Jim always worked deep east. I’d get there, check around the house and everything would be OK. Linda always managed to have fresh cookies, cake, or pie ready for us when we finished the call. A few months back, I was home sick. Jim and Linda brought me a batch of her homemade cookies to the house. I hid them from Lisa and Hannah. Jim. Rest in Peace my friend.
Dear Molly and family, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Tried to stay abreast of people I know from Adams-Friendship, but due to our move back to Kenosha, have not been able to do so. I will always remember your parents, their love, their strength, their hopes, their joys of life. I will miss them. I will pray for them and for you and your family. Stay strong, be happy as they always were.
Richie and Molly. I am just getting the word. Your dad called me not long after your mom passed and we had a nice long talk. I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. Both your parents were special to me as they were like surrogate parents for me, always offering a meal, a place to sleep and advice. Most of all they were role models. They wrote me all through basic training and during my career in the Air Force. Please accept my sincere condolences. They were special and will be missed.
Sorry for your loss. Jimmy O was a great person. I will always remember how he used to let us enjoy Conway Twitty in the truck with him on the way to water ski. And when I had my appendix removed and he showed up in my hospital room with a stuffed monkey and made me laugh so hard I could not stand it. Some of my best memories growing up. You are in my prayers.
Sorry to hear of Jimmy O’s death. He was a good guy. We enjoyed talking to him when he came into the shop to have patches sewn on his vest.. Prayers are with his family.
Jimmy O will leave a void in many lives, his personality and careing for others was evident always. He was supportive of his membership in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and faithful in his duties as a professional locomotive engineer! We send our blessings to you his family and friends, may he rest in peace. We have lost a good man.
Remember all of the happy times you got to share.
We took a cycle trip to Michigan last summer with your Dad and Wanda and had a great time. He was so fun and easy to get along with. We are so very sorry for your loss. We shared the bond of Legion Riders and were proud to ride with him.
Jimmy “O” – one of the kindest persons I have ever met. I loved the fact that you would play Classical music while you were in the pool. I will never forget our conversations about you and some of the kids going up to the cabin. Our discussions about riding our Harleys were enjoyable. I know if my Dad was still alive he would have loved playing horseshoes with you. You have gone through so much hurt and pain , I believe you are in a better place. I would have loved to see it.
Peg Johnston
Jimmy was my loved by everyone in our family. I remember him as nothing but kind and thoughtful, with a bear hug that could melt you and a laugh that made you want to laugh along. He will be missed immensely. Our sincerest condolences, Pat & Bob Laux, Jeff, Desi and Dani
to Jim’s family and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim was a great person. always enjoyed visiting with him.
Our condolences to Jim’s family. In our lives we are blessed with the friendship of a few individuals that are a gift. Jimmy O was one such person. His sense of humor and smile will always be remembered.
Dear Molly & Richard,
We are grateful to have known your Father. Molly I know he was very thankful to have you close by in the Friendship area.
Your Father and I shared a Brotherhood bond through the occupation as a Locomotive Engineer. Later we shared a motorcycle bond through several rides in the Wisconsin Bluff country. We will miss Jimmy.
Our sympathy,
Tom and Dianna Steigerwald
I wish I had him longer in my life. Time can be cruel when you love someone so instantly. I called him Daddy O. He loved me and my mother and he showed it all thru our road trip thru South Dakota into Colorado. What a great time we had. Alabama was beautiful and New Orleans was fun. I’m thankful for the memories. I will miss you Daddy O. Be at peace.
Thoughts and prayers, Jimmy O will be missed, We will miss hearing all the railroad story’s
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you on the loss of your father. Know Joan was there to welcome him. Paul will miss his card playing friend. Memories from the old neighborhood when we lived in Adams. Savor the memories. Paul & Carol Kaster
our condolences. We remember Jim as a member of St. Joseph’s and know his grandchildren Brenna an Collin. I am sure he will be sadly missed on earth and dearly loved in heaven.
Rich,
Sorry to here of the loss of your dad.
Sorry for your loss…hard losing both .
Memories live on…
Dear Molly and Richard, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I know there are no words I can say that will take away the pain or hurt your feeling now but my thoughts and prayers are with you. You had two great parents, I remember the kidding and joking around Jim and Gary had together playing horseshoe and who was the best player, and I think Jim always came out on top. You’ll have lots of good memories which no one can ever take away from you. God’s Blessings Always!
I am sorry to hear of Jim passing I remember him well.I am glad I got the chance to see him last year at the relay for life event. And again a few days later while having ice cream with my son. Rest in peace Jim you were a good man. My thoughts love sympathy and prayers are with Molly Richard and the rest of the family mourning the loss of a truly awesome soul and man..
This is a sad time for the horseshoe pitching family. First John Hansen and now Jimmy O. We will miss him on the courts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
What a sad time this is for the horseshoe family.. First John Hansen and now Jimmie O. May they rest in peace and we send our sympathies to their families.
Jim and I became the best of friends through our time together in the American Legion and the Adams County Honor Guard. His gregarious nature will be sadly missed.
Will miss Jim. Talked with him on the phone while at A grace and talked of good times on the courts lastly at the Wolf River Tournament.
Horseshoes won’t be the same without Jimmy’s jokes! He will be missed but now he and Joan can dance and entertain everybody with his spoons and harmonica. RIP Jimmy!!!!!!!
Jimmy’s many horseshoe pitching friends will miss his smile and ready wit. So long Jimmy-boy.
Sorry for your loss….Jimmy left a lot of good memories….My prayers are with you all …
All his horseshoe pitching friends of the WHPA will miss his smile and ready wit on the courts and off. So long Jimmy O.
As Jimmy ‘s fiancé of the past 14 months I am grateful for every laugh shared and the many beautiful memories. The past few month’s together on the Alabama shores will carry me through the pain of loosing him so quickly. Thank you for your friendship and support.
Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers during this diffucult time.
So sorry for your loss jimmy was a true friend and will be missed more than words can describe. Our rides and fellowship will never be forgotten. Remember the good time out way your sadness for he is in the lords hands now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Charlie and Dawn
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Jim, he sure was a good guy, our thoughts and prayers are with his family
So sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry on your loss. Jimmy O was a great guy. MAY God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time