Obituary
James Charles Sanford
James Charles Sanford, 72, of Viola, went to be with Jesus on September 20, 2017. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
He was born on April 13, 1945 to Charles and Virginia Sanford in Richland Center, Wisconsin.
On October 18, 1963 he married the love of his life, Mauretta Baker. Together, they had 3 children: Jeffrey, Christine, and Tricia.
Jim loved sports – especially the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoyed travelling, socializing with friends and family, playing golf, watching Fox News, and his dog, Molly.
He was a great athlete, and a successful businessman. He was loved by those who worked with him. He was known for his positive attitude, easygoing and forgiving nature, and sense of humor; and when he became your friend he was your friend forever.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mauretta; his son, Jeffrey (Karen) Sanford, of Shell Rock, Iowa; his daughter, Christine (Michael) Butikofer, of Cresco, Iowa; his daughter, Tricia (Robert) Longsdorf, of Las Vegas, Nevada; six beloved grandchildren: Emily, Abigail, and Ethan Longsdorf; and Lauren, Alison, and Kendal Butikofer; a brother Alan (Carol)Sanford, of Waukesha; a brother Richard (Vickie) Sanford, of Watertown; and a sister Barbara (Gerald) Glass, of Readstown; and many other friends and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, at the LaFarge Free Methodist Church, 214 S.Cherry St., LaFarge, Wisconsin.
Blessed be the memory of James Charles Sanford.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Lafarge Free Methodist church, Viola United Methodist Church, Viola Rescue Squad or Vernon county hospice.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Dear Mauretta and family:
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing and fully intended to be at the services. However, with my Mom’s passing a week ago, it turns out the services are scheduled at very nearly the same time.
My friendship with Jim since high school is etched in my memory. We had so many great times and much fun. He, Randy and I spent a lot of time together and managed to dodge any serious trouble although there may have been a “close call” or two!
Please extend our condolences to your children (whom I have not met) and grandchildren, as well as Alan (forever Oop to me), Barb and Richard. We will be thinking of you all as we go through this difficult week.
-Rod and Helen Perry-
Richland Center
Thank you so much for your kind words. My dad is sorely missed. So sorry to hear about your mother as well.