James “Jim” R. Goudy
James “Jim” R. Goudy, 87, passed
away peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2015, at Woodlands Senior Park,
following a battle with cancer and heart failure.
He was born on March 12, 1928
to Ruth and Murray Goudy. He spent most
of his growing up years in the farmlands west of Fond du Lac. He graduated from L.P. Goodrich High School
in 1946. He boxed at the YMCA and was at
one time the Wisconsin State Golden Gloves Champion in his division.
The military was always an
important part of Jim’s life. He
enlisted in the army in 1946 and served during the Korean Conflict, with two
tours of duty, receiving two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star for Valor. After serving for nine years, he left the
service to care for his parents and nephews.
He always felt a special allegiance and brotherhood to all veterans,
knowing “freedom is not free” and totally supporting and respecting the men and
women serving our country.
After he was honorably
discharged from the United States Army, as a master sergeant, he sold real
estate for many years, working for Nehls Real Estate and then later formed his
own business, Goudy Real Estate. Until
the time of his death, he retained his brokerage license and was currently in
the process of going to school at Moraine Park to renew it.
In 1953, he purchased Trails
End Lodge on Circle Lilly Lake in Manitowish Waters. It was there that he enjoyed many years
hunting and fishing with his family and friends, and making new
friendships. Many good times and
memories were made at the lake in the north woods. It will always be “Uncle Jim’s” to his
family.
Jim was a man of honor,
always there for others and true to his word.
He will be missed. We know the
Lord’s peace is with you Jim and we will see you again someday!
He is survived by Gus, his
beloved cat; dear friends: Jon and Dawn Kuechenberg and daughters, Taylor and
Lexi, whom made him a part of their family; a sister-in-law, Nancy Gibson of
North Fond du Lac; many nieces and nephews: Brian (Kathy) Skupas, Tony Skupas,
Mary (Jim) Olig, Vicky (John) Huck, Jeff (Becky) Gibson, Scott Gibson, Tricia
(Terry) Holz, Karan (Don) Walkowicz, Sheran Parkhurst, Jim (Lori) Gibson, Joey
Gibson, Bridie Goudy; and many
great-nieces and great-nephews who loved Uncle Jim dearly. He is further survived by cousins and good
friends.
He was preceded in death by
his parents; two sisters: Mary Jane
Goudy and Norma (Ed) Skupas; five brothers:
Glen (Gloria) Gibson, Lloyd (Irene) Goudy, Robert Goudy, John Gibson, and
Donald Gibson; a niece, Judy Skupas; and a nephew, Mike Parkhurst.
The visitation will be from
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2015, at Kurki-Mach Funeral
Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac.
A brief service will be held
at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory.
Burial will follow in
Rogersville Cemetery with military rites to be conducted by the American Legion
Trier-Puddy Post #75.
Memorials may be directed to
Old Glory Honor Flight, PO Box 482, Menasha, WI
54592.
We want to give special
thanks to his friends, Sam and Sue Hendrickson, who made his stay at Woodlands
possible, as well as their excellent and caring staff. Also, thank you to Dr. Vanderkooy and the
staff at Agnesian Cancer Center, who gave him hope and friendship. Thank you to Dr. Steiner for his years of
care. Thank you to Agnesian Hospice Hope
for their care and concern for Jim and for all of us who were with him in his
final days.
Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel
& Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkimachfuneralchapel.com.