James “Jimmy” Concentine Jr. was born on September 17, 1962, in Racine, Wisconsin, to James Robert Concentine Sr. and Mellie Lenita Concentine. Jimmy grew up in Racine, where he was educated through the Racine Montessori School (DeKoven) and the Racine Unified School District.

On August 9, 2026, at the age of 63, Jimmy completed his earthly journey and entered into eternal rest.

A Foundation of Faith

Jimmy was raised in the United Methodist Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age during Vacation Bible School, which his family hosted in their backyard in the early to mid-1970s. Later in his adult life, he attended Greater St. Luke Baptist Church of Racine.

A Brilliant Mind and a Strong Educational Foundation

Education played an important role in shaping Jimmy from an early age. His educational journey began with a strong Montessori foundation emphasizing hands-on learning, independence, skill building, problem-solving, and mastery.

That early approach to learning nurtured Jimmy’s natural curiosity and helped develop the sharp, intelligent, and resourceful mind that would serve him throughout his life.

His siblings would tell you that Jimmy was probably the smartest of them all. Well…maybe not smarter than William, but it was close!

Jimmy possessed a keen intellect, a quick mind, and a remarkable ability to learn, reason, problem-solve, and master new skills. That combination of natural intelligence and the strong educational foundation he received early in life was an important part of the man Jimmy became as he navigated life.

A Kiltie for Life

One of the most important and formative experiences of Jimmy’s youth was his participation with the Racine Kiltie Kadets and the Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps. From 1973 through 1978, Jimmy proudly marched with these organizations.

Being a Kiltie was far more than an activity for Jimmy. It became a major and important part of his life. The discipline and commitment required helped shape him, teaching maturity, dedication, teamwork, perseverance, and responsibility.

But the Kilties gave Jimmy something even greater—a second family.

The friendships he formed during those years endured long after the marching stopped. His fellow Kilties became another branch of Jimmy’s family tree. Whenever he was able, he participated in reunion activities, marched in the Fourth of July parade, and reconnected with the people who shared such an important chapter of his youth.

Being a Kiltie—the experiences, the memories, the pride, the friendships, and the traditions—stayed with Jimmy throughout his life.

Born to Run

Jimmy was also an exceptionally gifted athlete, particularly in track and field. Those who witnessed him run still tell stories about his speed, stride, and extraordinary natural athletic ability.

There was the seemingly impossible sight of Jimmy covering the back straightaway in the Racine Park High School field house in what appeared to be only four strides.

But if you asked the family where Jimmy got all that speed, the answer was easy: he got it from his mother, Mellie.

And she proved it.

Once, Jimmy and his mother decided to have a race. Now, Jimmy may have been gifted in track, but on that particular day, his mother showed him exactly where all that speed came from.

She beat him something terrible!

There was also the unforgettable race during his sophomore year. As Jimmy prepared to compete against some of the school’s top seniors in the 60-yard dash, the field house became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Then Jimmy ran—and that sophomore beat the seniors!

Decades later, people who witnessed Jimmy run still remember and talk about those moments. His speed was more than impressive—it was unforgettable.

Courage to Answer the Call

As a young man, Jimmy answered another call—one requiring courage, bravery, discipline, sacrifice, and a willingness to serve something greater than himself—when he joined the United States Army.

Leaving the familiarity of Racine, his family, and his friends, Jimmy stepped forward to serve his country. From 1981 to 1983, he served as a Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator and was stationed at a U.S. Army base in Germany.

Military service took Jimmy far from his Racine roots and called upon the independence, intelligence, discipline, maturity, and determination that had been developing within him since childhood.

It took courage for a young man to leave home, travel across the world, and accept the responsibilities that came with military service.

Jimmy answered that call.

A Self-Made Man

Jimmy was a self-made man. Whatever job he held, he approached his work with professionalism, integrity, and pride. He believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well.

That was especially evident in the car detailing business he operated. Jimmy took tremendous pride in his work. He paid attention to the smallest details and held himself to a high standard. When a vehicle left Jimmy’s care, he wanted the finished product to reflect the quality of his work.

His intelligence, independence, resourcefulness, and ability to master a skill served him well. Whether working for someone else or for himself, Jimmy wanted his work to speak for him.

That Impish Smile

Anyone who knew Jimmy will remember that impish smile—the one that often appeared when he was about to say or do something that would make everybody laugh.

Jimmy was a bit of a jokester, with a crazy sense of humor, a quick wit, and an unforgettable laugh. He could bring laughter into a room, sometimes when it was least expected and perhaps when it was needed most.

His playful spirit was unmistakably Jimmy.

That impish smile, his sense of humor, and the laughter that so often followed will remain among the treasured memories of those who knew and loved him.

His Journey

Jimmy’s journey was not without struggles. He fought demons along the way, but time and again, he found a way to rise above them.

His was not a perfect journey. It was a human journey—one marked by challenges and choices, victories and setbacks, perseverance and determination, and ultimately, grace.

During the final chapter of his life, something was different. Jimmy was prepared and determined to move forward. He was working to get his life in order and, most importantly, to keep it in order. There was purpose in his steps and hope for what was ahead.

Perhaps God was waiting for Jimmy to do exactly that.

When Jimmy reached that place of determination and readiness, God called him home and granted him the peace and rest he so greatly needed and deserved.

His family finds comfort in knowing that the struggles of this earthly life are over and that Jimmy can now rest in the presence of the Savior and the loved ones who welcomed him home in Heaven.

The Gift of Life — Jimmy’s Final Act of Giving

Even in death, Jimmy’s story did not end.

Jimmy was a registered organ donor. On August 11, 2026, his decision to become a donor resulted in an extraordinary final act of generosity and unselfishness. Through the donation of both of his kidneys and his liver, three people received the precious gift of continued life.

It was a beautiful and fitting testament to Jimmy’s willingness to give when he was able.

Even as his earthly life came to an end, something of Jimmy continued on—bringing hope to families he would never know and giving three individuals the opportunity for more time, more memories, more laughter, and more life.

His was a final gesture of love and an enduring legacy of generosity.

In the midst of tremendous sorrow, Jimmy left behind hope.

The Son, The Brother, The Husband, The Family

Jimmy was united in marriage to Bettie Concentine (Kyle). Through their union, his family grew to include stepchildren Marvin Kyle, Tina Kyle, Derrick Johnson, and Damion Greer, as well as several step-grandchildren, adding another special dimension to his life and legacy.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Asbury and Elizabeth Concentine; his maternal grandparents, Willie T. and Allie Mae McKee; his father, James Concentine Sr.; and other beloved relatives who went before him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Bettie Concentine; his mother, Mellie Lenita McKee Concentine; his siblings, Terri Concentine-Strong (Wayne, deceased), Brigit McNeal (Ricky), Janet Days (Aldred), and William Concentine (Renee); along with nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, his Kiltie family, lifelong friends, and the many people whose paths crossed his during his 63 years of life.

Jimmy will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He left an indelible impact on those who met and knew him.

But beyond his accomplishments, his gifts, his struggles, and all that he experienced during his 63 years, those who loved Jimmy will remember him in the roles that mattered most:

The son.

The brother.

The nephew.

The cousin.

The husband.

The stepfather.

The step-grandfather.

The family member.

The Kiltie.

The soldier.

The friend.

But most of all, we will remember Jimmy.

His race has been run.

His battles have been fought.

His service has been rendered.

His gift has given others more life to live.

Now, Jimmy, take your rest.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

With Deep Gratitude

Jimmy’s family extends our deepest thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the medical staff at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, specifically the Neurosurgical ICU, for the excellent and compassionate care Jimmy received during his illness.

Their skill, kindness, patience, and concern for Jimmy and our family during an incredibly difficult time will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to the staff of the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove for the care, support, encouragement, and programming provided to Jimmy. During an important chapter in his journey, they helped him recognize and actualize his potential. They gave him encouragement and motivation when he needed it, helping him to regroup, reset, and move forward with renewed purpose and determination.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory for their compassion, understanding, and respect for our wishes during this difficult time. They listened to our family, respected our decisions, and supported us in honoring our wishes for Jimmy’s final arrangements.

To everyone who cared for, encouraged, supported, and believed in Jimmy along the way, our family offers our profound and lasting gratitude. Your compassion became part of his journey, and it will forever be part of our memory of him.

Memorial Celebration

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of James “Jimmy” Concentine Jr. will be held on what would have been his 64th birthday:

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Family Visitation: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Memorial Service: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Infusino’s Banquet Hall3201 Rapids DriveRacine, Wisconsin

A repast and time of fellowship will immediately follow the memorial service.

Remembrances and Condolences

The family gratefully appreciates your prayers, expressions of love, and support during this time. Jimmy's cremains will be interred at a later date.

Remembrances, cards of condolence, and gifts may be sent to:

Terri Strong714 Notting Hill WayMadison, WI 53718