James George Staniforth

OREGON - James George Staniforth, age 83, of Oregon, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Agrace Hospice Care, with his loving family by his side. He was born on Aug. 29, 1940, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., the son of George Staniforth and Mary Johnson.

After graduating from Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1958, James attended UW-Stevens Point and the UW-Madison Pharmacy School, but was unable to complete his last year of pharmacy school due to funding. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Medic Hospital Corpsman First Class from 1962-1970.  On Sept. 12, 1970, James married Sharon (Getter) Staniforth at St. Paul’s Catholic Chapel in Madison.

James’s love of science led him to a career in computer programming. He initially worked at the Madison Area Computing Center as a supervisor and main-frame computer programmer. For 20 years he was a senior system program analyst at Rural Mutual Insurance Company. He went on to do consulting for Exacta and Northern American Insurance Company, and American Family (conversion of Y2K). He also became a realtor for Keller Williams and Restaino, following his consulting years in programming.

James was a member of Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church and was a fourth-degree knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Madison Gem and Mineral Club, where he prepared and created stones for use in jewelry making and thoroughly enjoyed giving to family and friends for gifts. He served as a volunteer with the Compassionate Friends, where he was a local leader for 13 years and a national presenter, attending conferences for 15 years every summer. For over 30 years he made buttons for hundreds of bereaved parents of their beloved children who had gone too soon.

For enjoyment, he loved hunting (especially deer hunting), fishing, archery, and photography, often producing some beautiful nature photos, as well as wedding photos. He loved bird photography especially later in life, and volunteered at the Henry Vilas Zoo, taking photos that have been enjoyed by many. He also loved trips to Door County with Sharon for the past 27 years, which gave him opportunities for “lighthouse” photography.

James is survived by his wife, Sharon; and son, Michael (Stacey) Staniforth; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jill Staniforth; parents, George and Mary; siblings, Lawrence (Pat) Staniforth, Morris (Ellen) Staniforth, Alice (Bud) Daly, Jane (Bob) Antoine and Thomas Staniforth; nephew, Greg Staniforth; other relatives and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, with Father Randy Budnar presiding.  Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVESTREAM may visit James’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the Mass and click on Watch Now in the Webcast section. Burial will be held at Prairie Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.

Memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice Care, Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church, Compassionate Friends, or Knights of Columbus Council No. 13480.

Special thanks to Dr. Goldrosen and Dr. Ligaray for their years of care of Jim including these recent months of rapid declining health. Also, a special thanks to Agrace HospiceCare for many months of support and care.

Jim was a loving husband and father, who always used love, compassion and faith to guide his family. Blest be his memory.

“May love be what you remember most.” By Darcey Sims

“We are a team.” By Jim Staniforth

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515