James “Jim” Jodie Sr.
After a brave 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer, James “Jim” Jodie Sr., passed away Sept. 1, 2021, at the age of 80, at his home in Elm Grove.
Jim was born Sept. 24, 1940, in Cadott, Chippewa County.
He was raised on the Jodie farm until he was 17, when he moved to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he became a civil engineer, majoring in sewer design, transportation and environmental projects, and was a member of Triangle Fraternity.
Jim and his wife, Angelina Zammuto Jodie, married in 1965. He loved to travel around the world with Angie, including staying in Puerto Vallarta, for 25 plus years, in the winter, and sailing in the British Virgin Islands, with close friends, along with several trips visiting Angie’s family in Sicily and Europe.
He also enjoyed visiting relatives in Cadott, and Rockford, Ill. The children continue the tradition of learning about other people throughout the world.
Jim volunteered tirelessly with Angie at Catholic marriage preparation classes, with the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, and as assessors at Alverno College. He was a devoted member of Christ King Church and St. Mary’s in Elm Grove.
He was passionate about, and volunteered in, local government and politics. During his years in civil engineering, he worked for the City of Milwaukee, state of Wisconsin, Jack Leisch, Inc. and CH2MHill (in West Palm Beach, Fla., Boise, Idaho, and Chicago, Ill.).
In his retirement, Jim enjoyed volunteering in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in the school district of Waukesha, and with the Elm Grove Plan Commission.
Jim’s favorite hobbies were going to the symphony and plays with his wife, spending time with his children, grandchildren, friends and relatives, and taking walks with his buddies. He spent numerous hours photo-journaling, which his family will continue to treasure.
He is survived by his wife and best friend – Angelina; children – Susie Jodie, Marianne (Charles) Grote, Catherine (Steve) Aronin and James (Erin) Jodie Jr.; grandchildren – Maxwell (Jaynee), Kathleen and Josie Jankovich; bonus grandchildren – Lilliane Walker-Grote, Billy and Sylvia Aronin; five bonus great-grandchildren; sisters – Linda (Jim) Dahm and Marilyn (Lennis) Ramseier; sister-in-law – Carmella Zammuto; brother-in-law – James Bourget; and numerous cousins; nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother – Bernard and Josephine Jodie; in-laws – Joseph and Susie Zammuto; his sisters – Patricia Bourget and Judith Jodie; and brothers-in-law – Peter and Louis Zammuto.
A special thank you to the caregivers at Froedtert Clinical Cancer Center, Sarasota Cancer Center and Rent-A-Daughter, for their help.
Friends may join the family for a visitation at Christ King Parish in Wauwatosa, Saturday, Sept. 18, from 12:30 p.m., until time of the Mass of Christian Burial, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception and fellowship.
Private family committal will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Elm Grove.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Froedtert Clinical Cancer Center, Alverno College and St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, are appreciated.
