James F. “Jim” McDevitt age 77, passed away on May 17, 2017, at Hospice Alliance, Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, WI, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Menomonee Falls, WI on October 10, 1939, he was the son of the late James and Leone McDevitt. He spent his younger years in Lohrville, WI, and graduated from Wautoma High School in 1957. Jim and his family moved to Kenosha in 1958.

On August 2, 1980, Jim was united in marriage to Marcie Larson at St. Mary’s Catholic Chapel in Kenosha. Anniversaries were special to them and each year they had a ceremony of readings from their wedding, renewing their vows and exchanging cards.

Jim was a man of strong business sense and admirable work ethic who never officially retired, visiting his office within the week of his death. Throughout his youth, he worked side by side with his father in the family businesses, first operating a milk route and then trucking supplies for the construction of I-94. Prior to turning 21 years old, Jim’s parents co-signed to help him acquire his first business, a Rocket gas station.

Over the next forty years, he operated numerous service stations in Kenosha and Milwaukee (mostly Amoco). He was the owner of McDevitt’s Towing and Repair Center for forty plus years. In 1988, he branched out with a partner to open Car-X automotive centers in the Fox Valley and operated those until December 2014. The family would like to extend their gratitude t the hundreds of employees who have worked with Jim in his multiple businesses over the years.

Jim supported his community through several organizations. For many years, Amoco Dealers sponsored a golf outing to support the MACC Fund and he was a longtime member of the committee for this event. He was a member of the Kenosha Noon Lions Club (as treasurer), the Elks Club, Moose Lodge # 286 and the Danish Brotherhood.

Jim and Marcie enjoyed traveling with friends and family, especially taking their grandchildren to Disneyworld. Jim was a man who loved trucks, cars, boats; basically anything with a motor, and especially if it went fast. He purchased his first Corvette in 2008 and enjoyed many trips with it. He loved spending time with his family while boating at his lake home in Winneconne, WI.

Jim was a blessing to know,  he had a great sense of humor and was always fun to be around.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marcie; daughter, Dawn Wells and son, Shawn McDevitt; grandchildren, Kristen (Kody) Marchant, David Wells, Kenneth and Molly McDevitt and great- grandson, Hunter Marchant. He is survived by his brother, Patrick and wife, Connie McDevitt, sisters-in- law, Garnet (Dick) Muehlhausen and Alme Larson, brother-in-law, Mark (Nancy) Larson and aunt Eleanor Tetzlaff. Nieces and nephews who survive him are, Kimberly and Kelly McDevitt, Laurel (Kirk) Graham, Paul (Betsy) Muehlhausen, David Larson, Derek (Julia) Larson, Julie (Bruce) Jackson, Shelby, Annika, Anders, Maren and Nik Larson. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, John Larson.

Special thanks to Hospice Alliance for the loving care given to Jim while under their care.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring the life of Jim will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 12:00 Noon at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720-39th Ave., Kenosha, WI. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.