James L. Christian, Sr., age 79, of Larsen, died Sunday morning, January 6, 2013, at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah.
He was born January 30, 1933, in Neenah to the late Edwin and Grace (Vander Hoof) Christian. Jim was a 1952 graduate of Winneconne High School. He served in the U.S. Army with the 23rd Infantry as a paratrooper during the Korean Conflict. On April 27, 1956, Jim married Barbara Norton at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. For many years Jim worked as a carpenter and cement finisher until his retirement. He was a member of the Giles-Luce American Legion Post 364-Winneconne.
Dad enjoyed much in life; hunting, fishing, gambling, music, and sports; but was always in a hurry for a new adventure or challenge. He loved to visit family and friends but was known for "popping in and out" and not saying goodbye before he'd leave or hang up. It seemed he had more places to go and new things to see (We were all used to that.) He did slow down when it came time for the grandkids. They meant a lot to him and he enjoyed them so much. He never minded having a full house. Another leaf in the table meant more fun and everyone was welcomed for a game of "31".
Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara, of Larsen; seven children, James, Jr. (Helen), of Neenah; Ken (Caroline), of Larsen; Debbie, of Larsen; Jeff (Joyce), of Larsen; Cindy (Buzz) Durrant, of Waupaca; Mike (Beth), of Waupaca; and Mark, of Larsen; his grandchildren, Chad (Kristi) Christian, Cody (Brent) Van Hout, Molly Srnka, Mike (Chelsea) Srnka, Adam (Samantha) Srnka, Kyle Christian, Kevin Christian, Kayla (Jeremy) Mullen, Carly Christian, Treasure Christian, and Paul Christian; four great-grandchildren, Payton, Owen, Quinn, and Gage; two sisters, Shirley (Dave) Milner, of Omro; Cheryl (Gary) Gorges, of Menasha; and other relatives and friends.
Along with his parents, Jim was also preceded in death by four brothers, Gerald, Gareth, Merle, and Loyal.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, January 10, 2013, from 2:00 to 5:45 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main St. Winneconne, with a Tribute to a Veteran Service to be held at 5:45 p.m. immediately followed by a funeral service. Pastor Dan Luett will officiate. Cremation will follow and inurnment will be in Lake View Memorial Park, Oshkosh.
Jim's family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Theda Clark and the staff of ThedaCare At Home Hospice for all of their loving and kind care shown to him. They also would like to thank all of the many thoughtful and caring people who came to visit Jim during his time in the hospital.
Please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.