James Andrew Stirniman
June 24, 1952 - June 27, 2024
Obituary
FITCHBURG - James Andrew Stirniman, age 72, passed away on June 27, 2024, with his wife, Susan England, at his side. Jim was born on June 24, 1952, in Joliet, Ill., the fourth of ten children to Wanda (Keller) Stirniman and James Paul Stirniman. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Mark. He is survived by his wife, Susan; sisters, Cathy Malin, Mary Betts, Patricia Stirniman, Jane Harris, and Julia Kern; and brothers, Robert, John and Michael.
Jim attended DePaul University for three years, studying finance and accounting, completing his degree in accounting at UW Oshkosh. It was in Oshkosh where Jim met Sue, passed his CPA exam and began his career in public accounting. In 1983 Jim moved to Madison and two years later started his own practice, England Stirniman SC. He retired in December 2017. Jim considered himself very fortunate to be self-employed in a profession he enjoyed and where he could develop long term client relationships.
Jim had a life long passion for reading and libraries. His favorite quote was from Albert Einstein: “The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library." He supported libraries and served on various boards. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity helping to build homes. Another of his passions was racing sailboats. When he moved to Madison he crewed on the E and A scows with the Mendota Yacht Club. He later raced his own boat on Lake Michigan out of Manitowoc and Milwaukee. Summers with Sue included racing and cruising. Evening sails with just the moon and stars for light were his favorites. Jim spent part of each winter in Tucson golfing and enjoying the Sonoran Desert. He also enjoyed bicycling, gardening, fishing, woodworking and model railroading.
The family would like to thank the UW Oncology professionals and in particular Dr. Steven Howard as well as the staff at Agrace. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorials to the Madison Public Library Foundation.
A celebration of his life will be held at a future date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002