James Michael Stella, 68, of Elkhorn, WI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 6, 1956, to the late James and Dorothy (Neddo) Stella.
In October 1979 James married the love of his life Shelley Sadler.
James was passionate about his family and music. He graduated in 1974 from St. Joseph’s High School. He was a member of Kenosha Pops, but had previously been involved with CYO Band, the Unified Marching Band, and when he attended James Madison University, he was a soloist and participated in their marching band. James also involved music in his career, after he graduated from Western Iowa Tech, with a degree in musical instrument repair, he worked at Martin Band Instruments, a division of Leblanc, for 14 years and then finished his career with Getzen Company, where he was a plant manager for 14 years. During his career he had the opportunity to develop and design horns for several professional musicians, including both Maynard Ferguson and Miles Davis.
In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his sister, Diane Nickel, and brothers-in-law, Ralph Nickel and Gene Haye.
He is survived by his wife Shelley, his children: Amanda (Jon) Jezo and Dominick (Lesle) Stella, sisters: Patricia Haye, Sandra (Ronald) Horwege, and Rosanne (Mark) Leuck, grandchildren: Gianna, Jordan, Waverly, and Conway, his beloved dog Cooper, and many other family and friends.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 10 am to 11:30 am at Proko Funeral Home with a memorial service to follow at 11:30 am. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mercy Hospice.
