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James (J.D.) Garoutte

February 15, 1948 -
July 12, 2024
Christ Doris Obit Photo Cropped

US Veteran

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James Dee (J.D.) Garoutte peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Friday,  July 12, 2024 at Froedtert South Hospital in Pleasant Prairie, WI. He was 76 years old.

J.D. was born on February 15, 1948, in Altadena, CA to his parents Lewis and June (Hall) Garoutte. Due to his parents' blindness, J.D. was raised by his grandparents Ben and Jane Thigpen of Dallas, TX.

J.D. graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, TX in 1966 and joined the Navy in January of 1968. He met his wife Kathy (Trotta), of Kenosha, WI at the Enlisted Men's Club at Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago, IL. They were married on September 20th, 1969, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kenosha, WI.

J.D. completed Naval Hospital Corps School at Great Lakes Naval Station and went on to serve two tours of duty in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star Medal as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class for his service.

J.D. graduated from the University of Wisconsin Parkside with a Bachelor of Communication and earned a master's degree in Speech from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

J.D. retired from the Peer Bearing Company in Waukegan, IL in 2011. He also served as the first Economic Developer for Kenosha and was a member of the Western Kiwanis Club of Kenosha for several years.

J.D. is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathy; daughter Jeniffer (Robert) Dzbinski; son Brian (Beth) Garoutte and grandchildren, Jacob and Ryan Garoutte, Joey Dzbinski, Brittney (Dan) Gray, and Kylie Dzbinski.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Lewis and June Garoutte; grandparents, Ben and Jane Thigpen; sister, Bennie Jane Thigpen; brother, Glenn Garoutte; son-in-law, Michael Picazo; and in-laws Joseph and Mary Trotta.

 

 

Service Info

Memorial services with full military honors honoring J.D.’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024 at the Piasecki Funeral Home, 3720 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI.

The service may be viewed via livestream on the following link facebook.com/PiaseckiFuneralHome/live/. You do not need Facebook to watch.

A gathering of relatives and friends will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

  • Posted by:
    Richard Carter

    JD was a classmate and home room buddy of mine at Dallas South Oak Cliff High School. He was well liked and respected by everyone who knew him. He is fondly remembered.

  • Posted by:
    Melinda Jones-Minors

    Kathy and Family, I was so sorry to hear of JD's passing and I'm sorry I missed the memorial. I worked with JD at PEER Bearing for years. He was larger than life and a force of nature! He spoke of his family often and loved you all fiercely. Please know my thoughts are with you all.

  • Posted by:
    Mary DeFranco

    I WAS SORRY TO READ ABOUT YOUR HUSBAND KATHY. J.D. WAS A VERY KIND MAN. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. MAY GOD WATCH OVER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND ALWAYS. Mary DeFranco.

  • Posted by:
    Ronald Neckar Jr.

    My uncle JD was an amazing man. I have nothing but good memories of hearing his stories and asking him questions as a young boy. I regret not seeing him more often, but Texas is far away. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and kids. I will never forget you, Uncle JD! Love and prayers, Ron and Lori Neckar

  • Posted by:
    Jon Lyons

    As Chaplain for the American Legion Post 21 and the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 21 in Kenosha Wisconsin, I’d like to say thank you for your service and God bless you, your family, and your friends. You’re all in my prayers. Just remember he was a gift from God and knowing him was even a bigger gift.

  • Posted by:
    Francis I. Gaoutte

    Hi JD, As I learned on July 12th, 2024 , that you were at peace finally, as God gave you his blessing to join him in all his glory in heaven. My heart takes solace knowing now that you will be reunited with Grandfather Charles Thigpen, legal Guardian Ben Thigpen and Ona Jane Thigpen, Dad Lewis Garoutte, Mom June Garoutte, Nephew Bennie Andrew Neckar, Sister Bennie Jane Thigpen-Neckar, Brother Lewis Glen Garoutte,. As our sister Bennie taught us to say “I Love You” at the end of every conversation. I say to you brother J.D. I LOVE YOU! Your Brother , Francis ( Happy)