Obituary
James G. Halverson
James G. Halverson “Hummer” passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2015 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. The son of George “Chut” and Ruth Halverson graduated from Central, served in the Army Guard and spent his career at Trane in the Art Dept. He was a local artist and also a well-known softball pitcher. After retirement he worked at Festival Foods. Jim was a loving father to two sons, Eric of Orlando Fl and Jeffrey(Nina) of Ashland Or. and the grandfather of Morna and Orianna Halverson. he is survived by a sister Sandra(Duane Esse) and brother Michael. The family wishes to thank the staff at Gunderson for their co mopassionate care and especially Carlyn and Norm Ellis for all their support and love. memorials may be made to Gunderson Lutheran hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.couleecremation.com. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Sending my deepest sympathies to Hummer’s family. My brother (Rick Rifenberg) played fast pitch softball with Hummer years ago. I was young then, but used to go with my brother to all of the games. About the time I graduated, Hummer did two chalk drawings of me from some school pictures – one from about 9th or 10th grade, and the other of my graduation photo. They have hung in my house ever since. The last time I saw him was at a fast pitch fundraiser at Go’s Chapter II several years ago, and we had a nice talk. What a great man. So sorry for your loss.
Jeff and Nina
Thinking of you with love and sadness.
Mike and Sandra,
My deepest sympathy on the death of your brother. I know what it is like to lose a brother. I watched Jim pitch many softball games and he inspired me to become a pitcher when I was in college. I was not as talented as Jim (not many were), but I enjoyed the game. Again, my deepest sympathy on your loss.
Larry Trammell
My wife Therese and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Hummer. I have many, many fond memories of playing softball and socializing with Hummer. I had the privilege of catching Hummer for a number of years when I first came to LaCrosse and started catching for Handy Builders. Already he was a pitching legend and well respected by all fastpitch softball players. A number of times we traveled to tournaments together and it was a laugh a minute being with him. He was a talented and gifted man and will always be fondly remembered.
Our very deepest sympathy to The Family of The Hum… I worked with Jim at Trane in the Art Department for over 20 years…never a dull moment! Always a story and a smile. I WILL SMILE WHEN I THINK OF HIM… LOVE & HUGS TO ALL.
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I have many fond memories going back to our youth when his Dad had the Crystal Confectionary on West Ave in La Crosse. Jim was a great pitcher and also a fine artist. Our paths crossed again when I went to work for Trane in the 70’s.
Later, after retirement, I would see him at Festival Foods occasionally.
I will miss him and his sense of humor. My sympathy to the family.
I never got to meet you, but I know you made a great son and friend of mine!!! RIP