Obituary
James Joseph Hammes
James (Jim) J. Hammes
James J. Hammes, 73, of Onalaska passed away on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. Jim was born in La Crosse on April 20, 1944 to Jeanette (Schmidt) and Albert Hammes.
He attended Desoto High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. The Most Reverend George Albert Hammes, Bishop of Superior, joined Jim in marriage to Dawn M. Gilles on October 28, 1967.
Jim worked for the Trane Company as a machinist for 43 years before retiring in 2006. Jim loved meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends. He never seemed to forget anyone that he had met during his lifetime. He loved his garden, taking motorcycle trips with Dawn, playing cards, traveling and spending time with family. Jim was especially proud of his three sons and the fathers that they have become. His grandchildren were a blessing and gave him so much joy over the years. Simply put, Jim was a good man and I will miss my best friend.
Jim is survived by his wife, Dawn of 50 years, sons Joseph (Lisa) Hammes, Brian (Jennifer) Hammes, Eric (Robyn) Hammes, and many loving grandchildren. He is also survived by five brothers and two sisters: John (Sherry) Hammes, Marilyn Thompson, Bernard (Sharon) Hammes, Gary (Nancy) Hammes, Daniel (Julie) Hammes, Karen (Jeff) Lynch, and Patrick Hammes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Dawn’s parents, Alfred and Juanita Gilles; a daughter-in-law, Christine Hammes; a niece, Renee Gilles and a brother-in- law, Richard Thompson.
The family thanks the Onalaska Police and Fire Departments, Tri-State Ambulance, and all of the Gundersen emergency staff who worked so hard for Jim.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1031 Main Street, Onalaska. Family and friends may call from 4 until 6 p.m. Friday at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday.
To view Jim’s memorial video, please copy and paste the link below into your browser.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/Q6D5DFBPDS7H2M85
We are deeply saddened and will certainly miss Jim very much. He was such a sweet man with a wonderfully witty personality. We have many fun memories from over the many years at our USS Lake Champlain annual reunions.
Dawn we are so very, very sorry. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give you much strength during this time and may He provide peace and comfort from your many years of memories.
We love you…sending warm hugs… call us whenever you want to talk.
My thoughts and prayers are with you today. I have enjoyed the times we spent together for the last 47 years. May he rest in God’s loving embrace and the family find comfort in His love and peace.
Dawn, We were very surprised to read of Jim’s death. May you continue to gain strength and support through your faith, and family at this time, You will be in our prayers, and I will always remember how Jim shared with others through his donations for The Blood Center at church. God be with you, David & Jane