James Ray Bumgarner, 73, of New Lisbon, Wisconsin, loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, went “WAY UP” after a sudden illness on May 16, 2015 at Tomah Memorial Hospital in Tomah, WI.

James was born in Anamosa, Iowa on April 26, 1942 to Ruby Ireland and Frank Bumgarner.

James married Patricia Mae Joens on July 2, 1961.  Later after Patricia’s death he married Mary Lou Howard on August 7, 1976.

A majority of James’ life was spent working on his farms in the Brandon, Iowa area.  James also worked for John Deere.  In 1986 he moved his family to Wisconsin and he worked on various farms around the area.  He loved time with his cows, going to the casino to play his favorite John Wayne slot machines, and spending time with his family, especially picking on his grandchildren, and playing Yahtzee.

James is survived by his wife, Mary Lou? his children, Casey (Kimm) Bumgarner, John (Kaila) Bumgarner, Roxene Brustkern, Melissa Bumgarner, Twyla(Mike) Graewin, Jeremy(Stephanie) Bumgarner, Jessica Bumgarner?19 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren? siblings, Keith(Betty) Bumgarner, Dixie (George)Joens, Dyna Kay, Rocky (Barb) Bumgarner, Darren (Hope) Bumgarner.  Additional survivors include many extended family and friends.

James is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Joens Bumgarner? his parents, Frank and Ruby Bumgarner? his brother, Bill Bumgarner? his niece Wendy Bumgarner? and his grandson Jakob James Bumgarner.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting family with arrangements.

The family would like to thank, Dr. Willard Schanhofer and the staff at Tomah Memorial Hospital, and Coulee Region Cremation Group.

A celebration of life will be held later in July in Brandon, Iowa for family and friends.