James C. Friday

     James C. Friday, 82, passed away unexpectedly at Wheaton Franciscan–All Saints on Wednesday, January 30, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born in Waukesha, WI on December 23, 1930, the son of the late Maurice “Pat” and Margaret “Myrtle” (nee: Weinert) Friday.

     Jim married the love of his life, the former Bonnie Barca, in Brighton, WI on September 6, 1970.  They had one daughter, Sarah — without a doubt the light of his life.  He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Wisconsin and in 1998 retired from the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services.  First and foremost, Jim was a professional musician, playing bass in the Milwaukee area for over 60 years.  On the road at 16, he toured the country during the Big Band Era.  Returning home, he played with local musicians such as Chuck Hedges, Frank De Miles, and Jerry Blake, last playing with the Grant Krueger Orchestra.  Jim also backed up national touring acts such as Tony Bennett, Etta James, Pearl Bailey, Sophie Tucker, Tiny Tim, and many others.  He was a member of the Milwaukee Musicians’ Local #8.  Jim served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Jim enjoyed cooking everything from casual dinners to Christmas feasts for family and friends, especially providing meals for his aunt, Eleanor Jones.  He was famous for his chocolate chip cookies.  Jim was an avid reader, enjoying detective novels and devouring books on quantum physics.  An excellent writer, he faithfully journaled both daily happenings and life’s absurdities.  He was a friendly person with a gentle soul who enjoyed discussing the vastness of the universe and other philosophical questions.  He was especially fond of his two grandchildren, Alex and Ashlyn, and his feline children, Annie and Bob.

     Surviving are his devoted wife Bonnie; his beloved daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Friday and Jon Fredrickson, of Caledonia; grandchildren, Alexander and Ashlyn; cherished sister, Patricia (Richard) Levenick, of Ann Arbor, MI; stepmother-in-law, Joyce Barca, brother-in-law, Peter (Kathleen) Barca, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Michael) Schrandt, all of Kenosha. Jim is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Ann Levenick, of Ann Arbor, MI, James (Sara Amato) Levenick, of Salem, OR, William (Katie) Levenick, of Rochester, MN, Abrianna Barca, of Madison, WI, Peter J. Barca, of the Bronx, NY, Katelyn (fiancé Louie Martin) Schrandt, and Erin Schrandt both of Kenosha; special aunt, Eleanor Jones, of Kenosha; and special cousins James and Barbara Jones of Somers and Tom and Mary Jones of Elkhorn, as well as other cousins, relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Peter Barca, and his mother-in-law, Jean Barca.

     Special thanks to the caring staff of All Saints’ ICU.  In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation and a family gathering will be held.  The family has suggested memorials can be made to the Salvation Army, 1901 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI 53403.