James "Jim" Francis Enders

MADISON - Jim Enders was born on Sept. 9, 1943, in Madison, Wis. He was the son of Roman and Betty Enders and was the second oldest of seven children. He lived in Sauk City for many of his school years and attended Sauk City High School where he was four-sport letterman.

He was in the U.S. Army for three years where he spent time in Missouri, Colorado, and one year in Korea. He went on to graduate from Madison Business College with a degree in Business Administration. He then moved to Milwaukee for two years and was a personnel clerk. He moved back to Madison and worked for the City of Madison as an Administrative Assistant at the City Garage for 32 years. He loved his time at the City and made many lifelong friends who were close to him until the end. One of these friends changed his life when he set him up on a blind date; connecting him to the Kansasville girl who became the love of his life for 52 years.

Jim was a huge sports fan who enjoyed all sports. He spent many years playing softball and basketball in the City recreational leagues. He also dabbled in bowling, volleyball, and the occasional games of horseshoes or cornhole. He loved watching his three children play hockey, baseball, softball, and volleyball. You could always tell when Jim was coming because much of the time he was cloaked in his Badgers or Packers gear.

Jim was also an avid volunteer. He was on the Board of Directors for East Side hockey and served on the Board of Directors and was President of Madison Patriots hockey. No one could lead a car caravan to a hockey tournament like he could! When he retired, he picked up a few more activities. He served many functions for St. Dennis Catholic Church, worked for St. Vincent de Paul, and was a very active driver volunteer for RSVP.

Jim had many additional passions in his life. He enjoyed lap swimming, bike riding and playing in poker and euchre groups. He really loved playing competitive Scrabble games and card games with his family over the years, with many of the most memorable happening on Christmas Eve. He also thoroughly enjoyed his time with his partner in crime visiting the casino and the annual Vegas trip for March Madness. He was a man of strong faith and enjoyed daily Mass and especially the Sacrament of Communion.

Special thanks to Fresenius Rx Kidney Care and Heartland Hospice. Also special thanks to a few angels on earth, Mike and Shirley Tokheim and his sister, Nancy. They were a tremendous help over the years and always there for him during his illness.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick; and sister, Susan. He is survived by his loving and very supportive wife, Linda; and three children, Jen (Dave), Dan (Holly), and son, Randall; brothers, Bobby and Tommy; and sisters, Janel and Nancy (Geoff). He loved spending time with his nine grandchildren who always kept him on his toes.

A Mass of Christian Burial followed by Military Honors will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, with Father Michael Tarigopula presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Saturday. A luncheon at the church will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to RSVP, Luke House and St. Vincent de Paul. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420