James J Rocca
August 11, 1935 - March 20, 2014
Obituary
WAUNAKEE- James J. Rocca, age 78, of Waunakee, passed away at UW-Hospital on Thursday, March 20, 2014. He was born on Aug. 11, 1935, in Madison, the son of Joseph Rocca and Margaret Hildebrandt Rocca Eithun. Jim married Alice Paulson on March 25, 1961, in Madison. He served in the U.S. Marines and U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Jim worked for Neuendorf Transportation and then the Madison School system until his retirement. He was a member of VFW Post 7591 and the Grieg Social Club. Jim spoke German and enjoyed playing trumpet, playing cards, and trips to the casino. Jim was a jack-of-all trades who could fix anything. He was very passionate about any project he conquered. Jim was the rock of the family.
Jim is survived by his wife, Alice; mother, Margaret Eithun; children, Brian Rocca, Jeff Rocca, and Dawn Cotter; grandchildren, Brittney Ann Cotter, C.J. Cotter, Michelle Rocca, and Samuel Zach; brother, Robert (Christine) Rocca; half-brother and sisters, Gloria Moreland, Tom (Julie) Eithun, and Linda McCarthy; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and step-brother, John Eithun.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, with military honors to follow the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at UW Hospital for the care they gave Jim. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
Events
Service
Wed Mar 26, 2014 @ 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
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Memories
L
Linda
Other •
When I was 6 years old, Jim came over wearing his army uniform. I opened the door and he handed me a doll. I yelled to mom and she came running. Jim treated us to pizza; it was the very first pizza in my life.
Jim will be truly missed. He has created many memories.
Love, Linda
GB
Gerald Bodenstein
Other •
Everytime I would come over to visit, he would always speak in German to me, had a lot of great times & memories at the house.
Gerald
CV
Connie Vitense
Other •
Dear Alice
Your have our deepest sympathy. Bob has been in the hospital in ICU since Sunday. Sorry we cannot
make it. We sure had some great times together. Bob and Connie Vitense
If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.
CB
Chaplain Roger Boeker
Other •
The fraternity of Marines mourns the loss of a brother.