James William Ness
August 22, 1947 - July 21, 2020
Obituary
LODI –James W. Ness, age 72, passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, after a brief illness. He was born on August 22, 1947, in Madison, the son of Thomas and Verna (VonWald) Ness. Jim graduated from Lodi High School in 1965.
Jim proudly served his country with the Army National Guard in the 13th Medical Evac Unit for six years. He was employed by Oscar Mayer for nearly 40 years, retiring 2006. At age 58 he passed the Elevator Apprentice Test and worked as a Mechanic’s Helper in the elevator industry until 2011.
Jim was very passionate about serving the community where he grew up and spent his life. He was elected to Lodi City Council and served as an Alder for 12 years where he served on the Public Works Committee, Finance Committee, Parks Committee, and Utilities Commission. In 2016, He was elected as Mayor of Lodi and served two consecutive terms. In addition, Jim spent 30 years as the Treasurer to the Lodi Curling Club.
Jim valued family above all else. He enjoyed large family gatherings with his siblings and their families and taking trips up north with his children and grandchildren. In his free time, Jim enjoyed playing cards, curling, cheering on the Badgers and Packers, sharing an ice cream cone with his cats, and spending time with his countless friends at KD’s Bar and Grill.
Jim is survived by his two daughters, Vikki Ness and Jaime Taylor; four grandchildren, Mikayla Ness, Trenton Ness, Hailey Hamilton, Kaitlyn Hamilton; four sisters, Darlene Brisky, Donna (George) Ripp, Ardis Achterberg, and Audrey (David) Attoe; five brothers, Dale (Alice) Ness, Thomas (Judy) Ness, Richard "Tack" (Connie) Ness, Charles Ness, and Donald (Jean) Ness; sister-in-law, Dolores Ness; many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce (Raymond) Lochner; brother, Robert Ness; and brothers-in-law, Leon Achterberg and Robert Brisky.
Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. Due to COVID-19 guidelines at this time, only 50 people are allowed into the funeral home at one time. Social distancing is required, and face masks are strongly encouraged. A private family service will be held on Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, which will be LIVE STREAMED beginning at 11 a.m. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Jim’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Watch Webcast link. A private family burial will follow services. Friends are invited to Jim’s “Celebration of Life” with the family at KD’S BAR & GRILL, N1444 Fair St., Lodi, starting at 12:30 p.m. on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to the UW Carbone Cancer Center.
Events
Visitation
Sun Aug 2, 2020 @ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Lodi • 157 South Main Street, P.O. Box 17, Lodi, WI 53555
Celebration of Life
Mon Aug 3, 2020 @ 12:30 PM CDT
KD's Bar and Grill • N 1434 Fair St., Lodi, WI 53555
Photos
No photos of James have been shared yet.
Memories
W
Wayne
Other •
I was saddened to hear about the loss of Jim. Jim was Mayor when I got to know him best. I knew him to work hard at what he thought was in the City of Lodi’s best interest. Jim gave back to the community and cared deeply for its residents. Jim will be missed.
PV
Phil Vorlander
Other •
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Jimmy’s death and extend our heart-felt sympathies to Jim’s family for their loss. We’re among the many who were lucky to call Jim friend, and his presence in our lives will be missed. The pandemic will cause us to pass on the opportunity to express our sympathies in person at the visitation, and to share memories at the celebration of Jim’s life following the service; it will not, however, lessen our grief at his passing.
Phil and Linda Vorlander
CL
Claire Letourneaux
Other •
Although we did not know Jim, we are saddened to hear of his sudden passing. We are in-laws to Tom & Becky Ness. Our deepest sympathies to Jim’s family and friends. Eternal rest grant him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. Claire & Steve Letourneaux
DR
Duffy Rasmussen
Other •
I am saddened to hear about the loss of Jim. I have known him since High school and always enjoyed seeing hin and telling stories. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Jim’s whole family for their loss. I know Lodi will not be the same without him. RIP Pal.
D
Dawn
Other •
Feeling so fortunate to briefly walk thru life with this stand up guy, a man who welcomed Greg and I like family. I am so grateful to call friend. With a heavy heart, he will be missed and forever loved. Rest in peace Jim, xo
TP
Trish Pulvermacher
Other •
So sorry to learn of Jim's passing and wish to express our sympathies to his family. Always enjoyed seeing him when we would visit my Aunt Dolores and Uncle Ben. Aunt Dolores has commented often on how Jim helped Ben and Dolores, of which they were so grateful. Dolores and my mother, Mary Clemens Smith were sisters!