James Engholt, 97, was united with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 17, 2025 surrounded by his loving family, at his home, in Mount Pleasant, WI.

He was the son of the late Danish immigrants Jens and Anna Iversen Engholt who built a life together including Jim's sisters, Esther and Edith.

Jim expressed a fondness for music at an early age, which led to him playing saxophone, clarinet and flute. He enjoyed playing all of his life in various bands and venues that included forming the Jimmy James Quintet.

Jim met and married the love of his life, JoAnn Carolyn Jorgenson, and enjoyed raising their family of two sons, Kirk and Scott and two daughters, Debra and Jodi. After Jim and JoAnn spent 58 years of marriage together, his family was greatly saddened at the loss of JoAnn.

Jim was a member of Faithbridge Church and had been active there for over 60 years, serving in many areas. He especially enjoyed singing in the choir and with three friends in a quartet. His faith in our Lord and his teachings led to how he acted out his life on a daily basis.

Jim was employed by Webster Electric for 25 years as a sales/marketing executive. He then went into business for himself as an independent sales representative for various companies. Jim and JoAnn were partners in their business and formed Custom Parts, Inc. which was very successful for over 22 years before retiring in 1997.

Jim met Joan Geshay at Faithbridge Church after Joan was widowed and found that they shared the same philosophy of life, faith and family. They were married in 2010 and enjoyed over 15 years of happiness together with the harmonious blended families.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, wife JoAnn, and grandson, Ryan Engholt. He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Kirk (Lynn) Engholt of Hot Springs, AR; Scott Engholt, Debra (Bob) Hutton and Jodi (Scott) Steltenpohl of Racine, WI. Jim's grandchildren are Brad (Kelly) of Longmont, Colorado; Alaina (Matt) Luccas, Amy (Keith) Garofalo and Russell Georgeson, all of Racine, WI; and Chris Hutton of Brookfield, WI; and six great-grandchildren.

Jim was known for his positive attitude and happy disposition by always seeing the brighter side of any situation with God's help and direction. He will be dearly missed by his wife and family who enjoyed his presence in their lives. They appreciated his wise counsel, gentle guidance and loving influence.

His wife, Joan, provided devoted care in their home and , for the past month, also received assistance from the compassionate staff at Aurora Hospice.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the kindness and comfort shown to him. Donations can be made to "Aurora Hospice at Home" (Racine / Kenosha Team) 11333 W. National Avenue   West Allis, WI   53227.

Services celebrating Jim's life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 am in Faithbridge Church (10402 Northwestern Avenue   Franksville, WI  53126). A luncheon will follow right at church. Visitation will be at Faithbridge Church on Saturday, February 21st, from 10-11 am.

Service Details

Services celebrating Jim's life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 am in Faithbridge Church (10402 Northwestern Avenue   Franksville, WI  53126). A luncheon will follow right at church. Visitation will be at Faithbridge Church on Saturday, February 21st, from 10-11 am.

You may witness the service via livestream by selecting the link below on Saturday, February 21st, at 11:00 am.

https://www.youtube.com/live/GiiXoHsVukc