James McCarville

MADISON- James F.J. McCarville, age 86, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017. He was born on Oct. 29, 1931, in Plain, the son of James and Alma McCarville. Jim was united in marriage to Eileen Marie Weiss on August 22, 1959, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, in Monona. He worked in the Madison area for most of his life, active at Gisholt Manufacturing, and was assistant manager at Piggly Wiggly and retired from Oscar Mayer Co. Jim was hard working. He was without the degrees, or acclaim, but in every sense of the words - a teacher, an engineer, an inventor, a naturalist and a philosopher. Some might also add that Jim was a comedian. His witty observations, hilarious stories and unique expressions could never be duplicated. Friends of his children and grandchildren will remember that the stories he lived were even funnier than the ones he told. The squirrel stories are causing belly laughs as they read this now. Not only was he committed to attending every activity of his three dear grandsons, he carried cards with each player's name and number for all of the teams on which the boys played. Retelling proud accomplishments and stories of time spent with Jeff, Steve, and Jacob is testimony of his intense love for them. Jim valued education and once read the entire Bible from cover to cover. He carried a rosary in his pocket while fighting in the Korean War. His most peaceful moments were enjoyed at the farm. He loved the soothing sound of the natural spring softly splashing on the rocks and replicated it at home with a tin pan under the eaves trough outside his bedroom window. Our Lord called him home through cancer but not before giving us four glorious months where we heard and said more "I love yous" than ever before. We're grateful for this time that allowed Grandpa to finish Jacob's deer stand and also complete the Aldo Leopold stand. During this time, he replaced the water chutes, planted grass, participated in our most fruitful deer hunt, and savored sweet corn and apples from the ridge. But, mostly, he treasured visiting with family and friends, especially Marc. Dad, we'll forever remember your unique sharing of life's lessons. We know that if you punch it in at double nickels, you'll never have to worry about a speeding ticket. And, it's important to have a little more money in your weasel sack at the end of the year than before it started. We'll keep our chain saws clean, retire the flag properly, and always make the sign of the cross when we pass St. Patrick's Cemetery. We'll strive to use finesse, not force and live a good program. We'll keep peggin on'. We'll remember that your favorite prayer of the Mass was, "Look not upon our sins but on the faith of your Church." You loved the quote, "Luck is the point at which preparation and opportunity meet." You've prepared us well. You gave us wonderful opportunities, and we're so very lucky to know and love you. Clear a path up there for us. We'll see you  soon. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen; children, Jamie McCarville, Michelle (Dan) Amend and Marc McCarville; grandsons, Jeff (Abigail) Amend, Steve Amend and Jacob Amend; siblings, Phil (Sue) McCarville and Mary Beth Schlagheck (John) Marhoeffer. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Terry and Ray McCarville and daughter-in-law, Lynda McCarville. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018. Funeral services will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Prior to the service, a visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. A military burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, or St. Dennis Catholic Parish for Masses said. We'd like to extend a special thank you to Agrace Hospice Care who compassionately and professionally attended to our needs. We'd also like to thank the Schoenstatt and St. Dennis parish communities for being, as families are, supportive through life's entire journey. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com