James “Jim” Thomas Long of Paddock Lake, Wisconsin died on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. He was 81.
Born on Feb. 24, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late John and Mary Long.
His family moved to Paddock Lake when Jim was in the second grade. He attended Holy Name Grade School in Wilmot, and in 1959 graduated from Central High School in Paddock Lake. After working for a year, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in 1965 from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.
During his career in retail purchasing and sales management, Jim worked for the Boston Store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sold prefabricated Wick Homes in Racine, Wisconsin and managed the Paper Factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Promoted to regional manager in 1983, he oversaw Paper Factory outlets across the Midwest until his retirement.
Jim coached the youth sports teams of his sons: tee-ball, basketball and football. An avid fisherman, he made many trips to Canada and Alaska. He enthusiastically attended the sporting events and other activities of his grandchildren.
On Aug. 4, 1984, he married Sharon D. Bello in Kenosha. After living in Kenosha for several years, he returned to Paddock Lake in 2004 when he and Sharon purchased a condominium on the lake, which allowed him to fish nearly every day. The tranquil setting provided a welcome retreat. But in retirement, Sharon and Jim also enjoyed multiple cross-country trips.
Sharon preceded him in death in 2017.
Jim is survived by his sons, Jeff (Karen) Long of Altamont, Illinois, Mike (Amy) Long of
Franksville, Wisconsin, Dean Long of Chicago, Illinois, Mike (Erica) Janis of Racine, Wisconsin, and Ben (Vilayvanh) Janis of Tacomah, Washington; grandchildren, Jack Long of Franksville,
Erin Long of Madison, Wisconsin, Ty and Ella Janis of Racine, Logan and Sena Janis of
Tacomah, Alexandra Marshall of Chicago and Aubrey Hobson of Altamont; and eight great-grandchildren.
He is also fondly remembered by his dear friends from the condo, Lynn, John and Dawn, plus life-long friends Chip and Alice Varvil of Bristol, Wisconsin.
Services will be private.
