James Frederick Dwyer

Dwyer, James "Jim" F. MADISON-James "Jim" F. Dwyer, age 64, of Madison passed away peacefully after a long illness, on Friday, June 26, 2015. He was born on Feb. 7, 1951, in La Crosse, to parents, James and Marie (Kircheis) Dwyer. Jim's modesty would never allow him to say he was a track star at Aquinas High School, at one time owning the state record in the 800 meters. After graduating, Jim left LaCrosse for Madison to, as he put it, "beg, steal, and borrow" his way to a degree from the University of Wisconsin. During college, Jim worked as a cook at the Brat House on State Street where, one Spring evening in 1972, a friend introduced him to Mary, a young Irish Catholic girl from the west side. Jim and Mary fell in love and were married the following year. After graduating with a degree in business, Jim went to work in the paint and hardware industry, first managing small stores, and then later building a very successful career in color matching technology that would win him numerous sales awards year after year. Jim loved his work and was well known for his dedication, honesty, and "family comes first" approach to business. He always preferred working with small, privately owned "ma and pop" stores throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.  Above all else, Jim loved being a dad. He was incredibly proud to be the father of three boys, and taught them everything important in life from how to catch bass or grill the perfect steak, to how to bet a trifecta when he took them to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, a city close to his heart.  Later in years, the trophies, ribbons, and newspaper clippings from his young life sat in a quiet corner of the basement, his plaques and awards from his professional successes stored away as well. All that sat on the shelves were photos of what mattered to him most - his wife, his sons, and his grandchildren. Trophies and testaments to a life well lived, and a man well loved.  He leaves behind his beloved wife of 41 years, Mary (Reilly) Dwyer; his sons, James Daniel Dwyer (Karen), Michael Reilly Dwyer (Carolyn Baccaro) and Sean Francis Dwyer; two granddaughters, Katyn Marie Dwyer and Loralyn Reilly Dwyer; his sisters Patricia Blecha (Rick) and Mary Beth Bucheleres; and brother, Terrance Dwyer (Katherine). Jim is further survived by his mother-in-law, Joyce Reilly; brothers-in-law, Jay Reilly (Peggy), and Kevin Reilly (Doreen); sisters-in-law, Ann Reilly Joyce (Mike), Cathy Reilly (Brad Rostowfske) and Beth Reilly (Dan Burling); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, at noon, on Friday, July 31, 2015, with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Opportunities Inc., c/o Vocational Scholarship Fund Memory of Jim Dwyer, 200 E Cramer St., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420