Sturtevant – James Robert Pauls, Sr., 70, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of his family on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, 2010 while watching their 50 ^th Wedding Anniversary movie given to them by his children and grandchildren. Jim bravely fought the fight of his life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past August – just days after celebrating his 70 ^th birthday.

James was born in Green Bay, WI on August 4, 1940 to the late Gordon and Lorraine (nee: Goetz) Pauls. He attended St. Edward's Grade School and graduated from St. Catherine's High School "Class of 1958". On February 4, 1961 in St. St. Edward's Church, Jim was united in marriage with the love of his life, Barbara Ellen (nee: Brown). They were so looking forward to celebrating 50 years of marriage this coming February.

Jim and Barb have been proud and active residents of Sturtevant since 1966. Catholic by faith, they had been members of St. Edward's, St. Sebastian's and, for the past two years, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. With a strong work ethic, Jim was a dedicated employee of American Motors / Chrysler for over 31 years, retiring in 1989. Immediately following, he went on to work for Metro Milwaukee – Manheim Auto Auction for the past 20 years. Amazingly, even after his cancer diagnosis, Jim continued to work up until November 11, 2010. Some of his interests included hunting; fishing – especially his yearly trips to Canada with the boys in June and with Barb in August; spending quality family time (including snowmobiling) with his entire family in Lake Tomahawk; Cribbage and Schafskopf; bowling; cross-country skiing; watching sports – especially the Packers and Badgers; and hanging out in his garage…with cable t.v., favorite chair, fridge and Polka music blaring – just to name a few.

Surviving are his loving wife, Barb; their children, Jodell (Mark) Hoppe, James (Anne Knepper) Pauls, Jr., Jacqueline Pauls and Jason (Susan Larson) Pauls; grandchildren, Sarah Heusdens, James Pauls III, Nicholas Pauls, Brooke Pauls and Danny Larson; brothers, Joseph (Beverly) and Kenneth Pauls; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donna (Jerry) Parenteau, Patti (Chuck) LeClair, John (Karen) Brown, Liz (Larry) Knight, Ed (Jan) Brown, Kelly (Mike) Carriker and Dan (Sue) Brown; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his grandson, Nathan Hoppe; sister-in-law, Jeanne Talley; Barb's parents, John and Claudine Brown; and by his faithful canine companion, Pokey, who died on October 25, 2010.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 10:00 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 pm and in the church on Wednesday from 9-10 am.

Special thanks to Becky at Rehab., Dr. Paul Durbin and staff; Dr. Michael Mullane and staff, Wheaton Hospice and Wheaton Oncology – Floor 2D for the compassionate care and support given during these past few months. May God bless all of you!