James J. Sankey

James (Jim) J. Sankey, 82, of Stevens Point, died Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital after a short illness. James was born on March 19, 1939, in Stevens Point.

He was the son of the late August & Ada (Eiden) Sankey. He attended local schools and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School. His marriage to Loretta Rutta took place on May 20, 1967.

James bartended at Romie's Rendezvous Bar before moving on to Consolidated Papers, where he worked in stock prep until his retirement in 2001.

Jim cherished family gatherings, at which he was the life of the party. He had a great sense of humor and was quick to laugh and smile. He loved to share in the joy of his family members' accomplishments and milestones, taking a genuine interest in new developments. He enjoyed having a Miller Lite with friends and family, especially while playing cards. Jim often attended UWSP basketball games with his family.

He was a lifelong gardener, proud to offer others the produce of his summer's work. Jim also enjoyed spending time outside and attended many summer church picnics. He was a sports fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of stats. He embraced retirement, playing with his grandchildren, who were always close by.

He strived to attend the many sports his grandkids played. He was a simple man, fiercely proud of his four daughters, who considered him their hero and became a dad to his sons-in-law. Jim was a great husband, father, grandfather, and above all, a great man who will be missed by all those he blessed by being a part of their life.

Survivors include his wife Loretta of Stevens Point, his daughters, Lauri Sankey of Plover, Brenda Keil (Jerad) of Stevens Point, Linda Rice (Chad) of Minnesota, and his baby Becky Bartelt (Andrew) of Junction City. Sister Joanie Kostuck (Ace) of Stevens Point.

His grandchildren Tyler, Casey, Reva, Alex, Jacob, Savannah Lee, Rachel, Rebecca, little Emily, Josh, and Jade.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Pisarski Funeral Home, 703 Second Street, Stevens Point. Deacon Ray Heitzinger will officiate. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery.

Visitations on Tuesday, from 9:00 until the time of service at the funeral home. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences, please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.