William "Bill" James

William (Bill) E. James (88) passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, June 11, 2015. Bill was born in Racine on March 15, 1927 to Irving and Elizabeth (nee: Carmen) James. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1945-46. He then served as a member of the enlisted reserve corps until 1949. He received an Army of Occupation Medal WWII Victory Medal.

Bill was the owner of Bill James Painting, taking over his father’s business and serving Racine and Kenosha customers until his retirement. Bill had loyal customers who valued Bill’s quality work. Bill is remembered for how he enjoyed an active life. He shared his love of cards, darts, golf, billiards, and bowling with his family, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many relatives and friends throughout the years. He generously sponsored a girls’ softball team, Bill James Painting.

Survivors include his children: Richard (Marsha) Huebner of Houston, TX, Janice (Mike) Gorman of Kenosha, Robert (Joanne) Huebner of Midlothian, VA, Jeanne (Brian) Lunde of Naperville, IL, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and his dear friend Gina Guttler of Racine and her family. Bill is also survived by nieces, nephews, and many relatives and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wives: Audrey (Huebner) James and Irene (Koll) James, brothers: Richard and Bob James, and sisters: Dorothy Lauritsen, Mary Broshot and Pat LePoidevin.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on July 2, 2015 at Graceland Cemetery, Osborne Blvd, Racine, WI. Family will receive visitors beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the site. Internment will take place immediately following.

Condolences and memories may be sent to the Maresh Meredith Funeral home, (please place this link here). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the National Kidney Foundation - www.kidney.org.