James Peter "Jim" Skendziel, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories with his beloved family and countless friends.

Born on July 22, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, Jim was the son of the late Peter and Jeanette (Adamowicz) Skendziel. He attended St. James Grade School before graduating from St. Mary High School in 1957, where he excelled on the basketball and baseball teams. He continued his education at St. Norbert College and proudly played on the basketball team that defeated Marquette during the 1957-1958 season-a victory he always remembered with pride.

On August 20, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, Arlene Smith. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, building a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Jim began his career at Kenosha AMC/Chrysler in 1959 as a machine operator. Never one to shy away from hard work, he also tended bar at Smitty's Tavern, owned by Arlene's father, beginning in 1966. After long days at Chrysler, Jim would come home for dinner, take a quick catnap, and head back out for an evening behind the bar. His strong work ethic and dedication to his family were evident throughout his life.

In 1978, Jim became a member of only the second Emergency Medical Technician class in the Town of Somers. He proudly served his community as an EMT for well over a decade, always willing to help those in need with compassion and humility.

Jim embraced life with enthusiasm and found joy in the people and activities he loved most. He and Arlene were wonderful dancers, and he treasured every opportunity to take his bride onto the dance floor. He was a proud stockholder and devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, rarely missed a NASCAR race, and could almost always be found watching the news. In fact, his love of keeping up with current events became such a fixture in their home that Arlene's family eventually surprised her with her own television so she could enjoy her favorite programs while Jim kept the news on around the clock.

For fifteen winters, Jim and Arlene escaped Wisconsin's cold by spending time in Florida, where he especially looked forward to enjoying fresh raw oysters. Yet no matter how much they enjoyed the sunshine, they always made it a priority to return home in time to celebrate Christmas with their family.

Family camping trips created some of Jim's fondest memories. Whether at Woodland Campground, Boulder Junction, Eagle River, or other favorite northern Wisconsin destinations, he loved gathering with family and lifelong friends from the Town of Somers. He was affectionately known as "The Wagonmaster" while giving wagon rides at Jerry Smith's Pumpkin Farm, bringing smiles to children and families year after year.

Above all else, Jim cherished his family. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and his Dodge pickup, proudly displaying the words "Grandpa's Hauler" on its eight-foot box, became a familiar sight as he happily chauffeured them wherever they needed to go. He loved every opportunity to spend time with them and never missed a chance to create another memory.

Jim will be remembered for his easygoing personality, warm smile, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether sharing a laugh, lending a helping hand, or simply enjoying time together, he believed life's greatest blessings were found in family, friendship, and community.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Arlene; his children, Pete (Tammy) Skendziel, Sandra (Skendziel) Willkomm, Kathy (Steve) Ten Cate, and Glenn (Michelle) Skendziel, who affectionately knew him as "Pops"; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; his brother, Kenneth (Jeanne) Skendziel; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Jeanette Skendziel; his daughter, Karen (Skendziel) Kelly; his grandson, Joshua Kelly; his granddaughter, Taylor Skendziel; and his faithful companion and best bud, Meika.

Jim's family will forever treasure the memories of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved. His legacy of hard work, kindness, laughter, and unwavering love for his family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the family would be appreciated.

In honor of Jim's fun-loving spirit, the family invites everyone to wear their favorite sports team attire when attending the services.