Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
One of the good ones, James “Jim” J. Kies, age 54, of Winneconne, passed away unexpectedly following an accident in Hawaii on a trip to celebrate his 27th anniversary with his wife, and sister and brother-in-law on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Jim was born on August 20, 1967, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Jerome and Ann (Wilmot) Kies. On March 18, 1995, Jim married his love Carrie Norton in Homer Glen, Illinois. Jim was highly active in his community; he served on multiple boards and participated in countless activities throughout Winneconne. He was also a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Winneconne. A passion of his involved the parks in Winneconne as he loved fishing and watching his kids grow up in the village. He was currently working at Forberg Smith as a Process Automation Salesman.
He loved spending time with his family and his amazing group of friends, who never failed to put a smile on his face. Saint James always knew when somebody needed a random funny meme, a cute video, a comforting hug, a classic movie quote, or a text to just check in. Jim enjoyed being outdoors: hunting, fishing, and boating. More specifically, he loved to run bank-pole lines to catch big ol’ flathead catfish! He also loved gardening, in which he took his harvest and turned it into delicious salsa and his famous canned peppers. He took pride in making his chicken dumpling soup and chili for anybody who was feeling under the weather or just needed a pick-me-up. No matter who you were or where you came from, Jim treated you as one of his own, whether that’s a best friend, son, daughter, or companion.
Jim is survived by his wife of 27 years, Carrie; their two daughters, Riley and Morgan; his furry companion, Ivy; his father, Jerome “Jerry” Kies; his brother, Bill (Donna) Kies and their children, Alissa and Heather; his sister, Marcia (Kevin) Lisney and their children, Dani (Dan) McMillan and son Ryker; Taylor and Marty (Missy) Lisney; his sister-in-law, Becky (Tom) Jensen and their children, Colin and Trenton; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tim and Pat Norton; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Marie Kies; and his nephew, Chad Allen Kies.
A visitation forfamily and friends will be on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until noon at St. Mary Catholic Church 210 Pleasant Dr. Winneconne. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 14 at Noon at the church. Interment will follow in the Winneconne Cemetery. Following the interment there will be a Fiesta at Woodeye's Bar & Grill 700 W. Main St. Winneconne. Please celebrate by wearing bright colors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jim to the Winneconne parks. Jim was very passionate about the waterways, fishing accessibility, and providing a safe, family-friendly atmosphere in the village parks. Please make donations in Jim’s name to the Village of Winneconne, P.O. Box 488 Winneconne WI 54986. Any questions, call 920-582-4381.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Andrew Lamore wrote on May 6, 2022
I had the pleasure of working with Jim professionally only on a few occasions, but even in those few interactions, I found him a sharp, kind, and driven individual. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
Tim Whitford wrote on March 26, 2022
My Wingman Jimmy. Still trying to comprehend that you are gone! Just talked with you just over a week ago and were both excited for our vacations. Man, we had so many great times with our families and friends, the great vacations we took with both our families to Minocqua and all the trips to Mexico. Coaching our kids together for all the years, so many great memories since our families became one! You loss will never remove those memories they will live on with both our families, we will honor you live every single day and I promise you I will always be there for your (our) family Riley, Morgan and Carrie and your extended family as well. You are and always will be family and I will think of and miss you everyday!!! Thank God i had the ability to keep all the texts that I can revisit with all the different memes, jokes and rants we shared etc. that I can look back and get a smile when I think about you and I and what a great friendship we had.
Like we always said to end so many of our conversations; Love you my brother!!!
Nancy Neisen Schultz wrote on March 26, 2022
Everyone loved Jim. Such a great guy. I remember the day the Kies moved in next to our house on Point Comfort… all of us girls were swooning over the cute new guy. Carrie and his girls were blessed to have him as we all are to have been so lucky to know him. It sucks that he’s gone, this world is missing a wonderful man.
Tom and Mary Kies wrote on March 26, 2022
We are holding Jim and all of you in our prayers. With deepest sympathy.
Janice and Scott Ganz wrote on March 26, 2022
Carrie, Riley and Morgan please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your Husband & Father. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this devastating time, xoxo
Austin Ryf wrote on March 26, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with your family during this tragic time. I will always remember how kind of a guy Jim was!
Thomas Jennerjahn wrote on March 25, 2022
Loved his friendship, even if it was short. He was a great helper at he Lil' Orbit Donut stand at WIR and Haunted House in Neenah. Love ya man!
Ronald Zarling wrote on March 25, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our sincere sympathy to the entire family. Ron and Ardie Zarling
Joe T Dobbelaere wrote on March 24, 2022
Many of us worked with Jim at his time with Lesman Instrument Company in Bensenville, IL.
Jim was a true rock star and positive force whenever he was around us...usually for our bi-annual sales meetings in Bensenville. Jim and I always sat together at the meetings and I could count on many jokes and funny comments coming my way from Jim...he made the meetings fly by.
We both had the good fortune of having two girls. ( Jim and I are 7 years apart in age ) My girls were at the stage where they were no longer interested in the gas - powered go cart that they enjoyed between the ages of 6-10.
Jim bought the go cart from me and we would keep in touch about how his girls were able to use it and love it. Knowing Jim, I'm guessing he passed it onto another family that could enjoy it.
I know that he'll be missed by many. I miss him already. My deepest condolences to the family and friends. Joe
connie starczewski wrote on March 23, 2022
Our nephew Jim was one a kind. He brought happiness to all who knew him. His sense of humor, love and giving ways made him a joy to be around. We shall always miss him.
Our deepest sympathy to our niece Carrie, and our great nieces Riley and Morgan. We are always just a phone call away.
Love Uncle Rick and Aunt Connie xoxo
Thomas Jensen wrote on March 23, 2022
Jim’s love and caring for his family and friends, are traits that others strive to achieve. He was a great father, kind brother, and a friend always willing to help. Jim truly lived his life full of love and altruism.
“Love your neighbor as yourself”
(Mark 12:31)
We miss him so much.
Tom, Becky, Colin, Trenton
Tom and Debbie Norton wrote on March 23, 2022
Carrie, Riley, and Morgan, we are so very sorry for the tragic loss of Jim. He was such a warm and wonderful man. We always enjoyed our time with Jim at family get togethers over the years. He was a very special person. Our thoughts and prayers to all of Jim’s family and friends.
Kristen Madl wrote on March 23, 2022
Carrie and girls— I am so sorry to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Linda and Tom Morton wrote on March 23, 2022
Carrie, Morgan and Riley,
We are so shocked and saddened by Jim's, your father's, death.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this most difficult time.
God be with you.
Vicki and Curt Sprenger and family wrote on March 23, 2022
Carrie, girls and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jim. Many memories came rushing back when we heard of his passing. The Winchester days were awesome times. (Small Wonders and The Winchester Softball league). Great moments in the community, to have Jim be a part of.
May God bless you all in this most challenging time.
Marshall and Shelby Rasmussen wrote on March 23, 2022
We are so sorry for your tragic loss. Jim was definitely one of the good guys! Sending your family our thoughts and prayers.