FITCHBURG - James Maurice "Jim" Costello, age 76, of Fitchburg, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at SSM Health-St. Mary's Hospital after a short illness. He was born on December 8, 1949, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Gerald Costello and Janet (Arnstein) Costello.

Jim graduated from Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1968. He married his love, Nadie on August 9, 1975, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Madison.

Jim worked as an auto advisor for two premiere Madison car dealerships until retirement.

Jim lived his faith as a longtime member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and through his dedicated service to the Knights of Columbus, where he also served as a Grand Knight. He found joy and solace in nature, especially while watching birds, especially hummingbirds or tending his and Nadie’s beautiful flower and vegetable gardens.

He cherished time with his family, and he delighted in being present for his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and celebrating their accomplishments. He also was a master griller at family cookouts and was always ready with a good dad joke. Jim enjoyed his swimming pool with a good German beer, doing crossword puzzles, reading a good book, or watching episodes of Star Trek. He also shared a special bond with his beloved cat, Sassie, who brought him constant companionship and joy. Kindness and service were at the heart of who Jim was. His warm smile could brighten any room, and to him, no one was ever a stranger-only a friend he had yet to meet.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nadie; daughters, Heidi (Scott) Hodel-Faris and Jamie (Wade) Carlson; granddaughters, Kailey (Jack) Bates, Virginia O'Brien, Ella Carlson and Zoey Carlson; brother, Michael (Dagmara) Costello; sisters-in-law, Gloria Costello and Jane Klein; and nephew, Chandler Klein. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Patrick Costello and Dennis Costello.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 South Owen Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, with Fr. Brian Wilk presiding. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dane County Humane Society or Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

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

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

James M Costello

December 08, 1949 - February 24, 2026

Share photos of James