James Ceithamer,

Ceithamer, James MADISON-James Ceithamer, age 65, passed peacefully into rest surrounded by his family on July 26, 2011 at the home of his son, Steven, in Mount Horeb. James was born on October 23, 1945 in San Angelo, TX to Harold and Ruth (Snell) Ceithamer, and raised in the Fall River Area. James graduated from Wisconsin Academy then attended Columbia County Teachers College. After college, James was a salesman, business owner, broker, commercial realtor, property owner, contractor, ballroom dancer, and DJ. He enjoyed a good political debate, was an avid hunter, loved reading, studying history, gardening, and farming. After meeting his wife, Rebecca Eilders Ceithamer, he found a passion for learning and later teaching ballroom dancing. Jim and Becci owned The Sunday Dance Party with lessons, live bands, and dancing every Sunday for 18 years, and also hosted an annual Red Cross Dollar Dance Benefit. James had an unconditional love for his family, starting with his wife Becci, who he adored and honored every day from the moment he met her. Throughout their marriage, he believed in every vow to her, and she to him, and they set the example for all of us. James love for his children was infinite and stretched out to their children, friends and extended families. He never judged anyone, and no matter how hard they fell, he was always there to lift them up, put a smile on their face, and give them courage. He took great joy and pride in being a father and grandfather to each and every one of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing with them, and celebrated their every activity and accomplishment. Other than his family, Jim’s greatest passion was Bible study, spreading the Word, teaching Bible studies, and was currently writing two religious books. James always dedicated his time and energy to those in need. He was a helping father to many children who were not his own, and he helped friends and strangers that needed a home, a job, help turning from drugs and alcohol, or just needed an encouraging word, and he guided them toward the Word of God whenever possible. James was one of Gods devoted warriors, and lived his life based on his faith in “It’s the Christian thing to do.” James is survived by his wife, Becci; children, Patrick Ceithamer of Cottage Grove, Curtis (Sylvia) Ceithamer of Marinette, Michelle Reid of Smyrna, Tenn., Steven (Julie) Ceithamer of Mount Horeb, and Jacqueline Ceithamer of Oregon; 15 grandchildren, Ryan, Alex, Candi, Sarah, Savannah, Landon, Steven Jr., Jay, Jessica, Preston, Emily, Eric, David, Anthony, and Corey; two great-grandchildren, Savana and Mason; and arriving in two weeks his newest great- grandson and name sake, Lliam James; his siblings, Robert (Kathy) Snell of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Dennis (Kay) Ceithamer of Washington, DC, Duane (Audree) Ceithamer of Rio, and Darlene Macko of Portland, Ore.; cousin Paul Lynch who he had a special brother bond with; his good friend and brother-in-law, Rick Eilders of Madison; and two very best buddies, Kevin Schoen, and Danny Sutter. Funeral services will be held at SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 910 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2011, with Reverend Bill Ochs presiding. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm. on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James Ceithamer Memorial Benefit being held August 28, 2011. “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”- 1 Corinthians 2:9. “Though he was a big man, it was his kindness, generosity, and love for his fellow man, unshakeable faith, his unending sense of humor, and incredible courage that left the biggest imprint in my life. The world seems smaller to me today…” –Kevin Schoen Cemetery: Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm. on Sunday, July 31, 2011. Funeral services will be held at SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 910 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2011, with Reverend Bill Ochs presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James Ceithamer Memorial Benefit being held August 28, 2011.