James J. Sexton

James J. Sexton, 70, transitioned to his eternal home on November 21,
2016.   He was born November 1, 1946 in
Columbus, Ohio to James and Kathryn Sexton. 
On November 30, 1968 he married Marcella A. Howard who preceded him in
death in 1989.  He married Lana K. Resop
on February 24, 1990.

 

He graduated from Capital University, Columbus, Ohio with a BA degree
in Economics and Business Administration and earned a Master’s degree in
Hospital Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

 

Jim’s entire career was dedicated to Healthcare management.  He served his administrative residency at
Flower Hospital, Toledo, Ohio and then joined St. Agnes Hospital in 1973 as
Assistant Administrator for Ancillary Services. 
He received several promotions and was named President and CEO in
1980.  He was the first lay CEO to serve
St. Agnes Hospital.   In 1996 Jim
accepted the position of President and CEO of Saint Francis Medical Center in
Cape Girardeau, Missouri.   Jim was
recruited to Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in 1999.  Jim joined Henry Ford Health System as
President and CEO of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital in 2002 and retired from
that role December, 31, 2012.  In his
retirement he served as Interim CEO for hospitals in Maryland, Maine and Texas.

 

Jim was active in the Wisconsin Hospital Association Board of Trustees
serving as chair in 1985.  He was active
in community organizations to include Board service to the Association of
Commerce, Fond du Lac Festivals, South Hills Country Club and Fox Valley
Savings and Loan.  He served on the Fond du
Lac Police and Fire Commission.

 

Jim enjoyed traveling with Lana and they visited many interesting and
exciting locations.  He also enjoyed
golf, walking, biking and reading.  He
dedicated time to coaching, counseling and mentoring young healthcare
executives and students.

 

Jim is survived by his wife, Lana; children, Cynthia (Mark) Hutter, of
Fond du Lac, Jennifer Sexton, of Wichita, KS, Terri (Kevin) McNamara, of
Charlotte, N.C., Michael (Emily) Sexton, of Cudahy, WI and Katie (Rob) Delain,
of Neenah, WI and step-children, Alissa Kohlhoff, of Valparaiso, IN, Jacob
(Jenni) Resop, of Fond du Lac and Jordan (Julie) Resop, of Fond du Lac.  In addition, his grandchildren, Alex and Emma
Hutter, Reed and Madison Schroeder, Ella and Clara Delain, Renley McNamara and
step-grandchildren Avery and Riley Resop and Jada Resop. He is also survived by
his brother, Edmund “Ted” (Leah Ann) Sexton, of Tuscaloosa, AL and aunt, Nellie
Manges, of Allentown, PA. 

 

Visitation:  The family will
receive relatives and friends on Friday, November 25, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM
at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street in Fond du Lac. Visitation will
also be held on Saturday, November 26, from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at Salem United
Methodist Church, 120 Sheboygan Street in Fond du Lac.

 

Service:  A memorial service will
follow the visitation at 11:00 AM at Salem United Methodist Church. Inurnment
will be in the Rienzi Mausoleum. Cremation has taken place.

 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to St. Mary’s Springs Academy,
The James J. Sexton Scholarship or Salem United Methodist Church.

 

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Agnesian Cancer
Center and Hospice Hope for their exceptional service excellence skills in
exceeding patient expectations.  Special
thanks to Dr. Lundberg, Dr. Vander Kooy, Dr. Sergi, Andy Land and Pastor Bill
Beaton for their compassionate care, support and many kindnesses.

 

“I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you; instead I am deeply
honored knowing that you spent the rest of your life with me.”

 

Zacherl Funeral Home is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com