James W. Catlin

  James Warren Catlin, 90, passed away December 31, 2020 at Ascension St. Michael's Hospital after a battle with cancer. He was born February 1, 1930 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the oldest child of Frank Warren Catlin and Marion Genevieve (Dzwonkowski) Catlin.  

  James graduated from Stevens Point's P.J. Jacobs High School, class of 1948. Following graduation, he worked for U.S. Rubber Company in Chicago, Illinois. When the Korean conflict erupted, he was called into service overseas in the United States Army from September 1951 to March 1953. He earned a Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars. He was a proud veteran and lifetime member of VFW Post 10262 in Plover.  

  Upon returning to civilian life, he married Apolina (Pauline) Kerchefski on July 20, 1953. He was a loving father to four children: Karen, Leroy, Lawrence, and Michael Catlin. Pauline passed away in July, 2001 and for many years James lived a bachelor's life.  

  On August 23, 2018 James married Janice (Dean) Thompson, with whom he rode the same school bus in 1947. Their wedding more than seventy years later at the Portage County Courthouse, ages 88 and 86, was covered by Channel 7 News (  watch here  ) and in a special issue of  People  magazine (  read here  ). A man who was always ready with a perfectly-timed joke, he said "I feel 21!" moments before saying "I do" and kissing his bride. James was warmly welcomed into Janice's family. The two shared a home and could often be seen enjoying fish fries and celebrating holidays together at Lincoln Center Senior Center in Stevens Point.  

  Before returning to the Stevens Point area in his retirement, James lived with his family for over forty years in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he worked as a building engineer at Glendale Shopping Center and the headquarters of Jefferson National Life Insurance. He was also a devoted fan of the Indianapolis 500 and the Chicago Cubs. He was a man of faith and a parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church in Indianapolis and then St. Bronislava Parish in Plover.  

  James was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Marion Catlin, first wife Apolina M. Catlin, daughter Karen M. Catlin, infant son Michael Catlin, and sister Dorothy (Catlin) Spiewak. He is survived by his wife Janice, sisters Carol (Catlin) Jarocki and Patricia (Catlin) Wilkin, sons Leroy J. Catlin and Lawrence R. Catlin, and grandson Jonathon Catlin, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

  The funeral service, including military honors, will be held Wednesday, January 6, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bronislava Parish, 3200 Plover Road, Plover. Masks and social distancing will be required at the church. A celebration of James's life will follow the service. An additional memorial service will be held at a later date.  

  In lieu of flowers, if you wish to give a memorial contribution in James's honor, the family asks that it be directed to VFW Post 10262, 2970 Hickory Dr., Plover, WI 54467.  

  The Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting  www.pisarskifuneralhome.com