James R. Fagan

James Robert Fagan, a lifelong Madison resident peacefully took his last Earthly journey on October 23 with family and caregivers close by his side at home.

Jim was born May 14, 1927 to Helen (Church) and Joseph Fagan, the middle child to an older brother, Joe (Helen Barnhill), and a little sister, Joan (Jerome Kuypers). They grew up in Shorewood Hills and spent lots of time playing in nature. Jim swam any chance he got in Lake Mendota with his buddies.

He shared many fond stories of his grandparents, William and Katherine Church who visited often from Iowa. Jim learned the value of work early and helped many neighbors during the depression.

When he turned 18 before his graduation at West High School, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He trained as an electrician while stationed in the Philippines and kept the ship USS Shipley Bay running smoothly which brought soldiers home after the war. He was proud to be a veteran and in his 80's he got to take a trip to Washington D.C. on a Badger Honor Flight. His D.C. volunteer companion, Clay, said Jim was more independent than anyone he ever met on the tours and had to hussle to keep up with him!

Jim enrolled in the University of Madison and became a DKE brother. He graduated with an economics major in 1952, and began his career in banking and real-estate. In 1957, he had a blind date with a girl in a green dress, Shirley Livingston, and their hearts were forever one. They were married on April 12th, 1958 at Queen of Peace Church in Madison with Jim's cousin, Father Peter Fagan, officiating.

Jim had a great work/life balance. He built his own company Campus Apartments from the ground up which kept him busy. He loved being his own boss and was a great provider and a kind landlord. He stated however, his biggest accomplishment and prize in life was being happily married to his beautiful wife for 63 years and raising 3 children; Susan Clements (Dan), Patty Fagan Ries (Tom), and Mike (Tia).

Living by Lake Mendota in the woods, he taught his family and neighbor kids how to fish, water ski, build solid tree forts, make roaring campfires and other fun activities. He took the family on many camping trips around the US and Canada. Ace continued to look forward each Fall to the guys tent camping trip, his son Mike planned, well into his 80's.

Jim was thrilled to become a grandfather to Katie LaCourse (Mike), Logan, Samara, and McKenna. He shared bear hugs freely as well as saying, “Lovies," often. He was generous with many families and organizations, giving to people he didn't even know who were down on their luck. He said, God was so good to him, and it was important to help others less fortunate.

He adored the family dogs. Marley and Fiona stuck to him like velcro and it was so fun to see his Irish green eyes light up when they'd lavish each other with attention.

Jim and Shirley shared wonderful times with friends through-out the years. It taught their family the blessing of building lifelong connections. The love of golf sent them south to Diamondhead, MS in the winters later in their life. They built a beautiful home on the 5th green of The Cardinal Golf Course. They made friends quickly that became their new family. It was a great spot for family and friends to gather as well. To live an active 94 years and be healthy until the last few months of his life was a blessing, he thanked God for every day.

Near the end Jim was supported by his family, and dedicated care givers from Senior Helpers and Heartland Hospice at home. Heaven just got louder with laughter and fun pranks with his lifelong buddies that have been waiting for "Boo-Boo" to join them.
Heaven will be silent only long enough for him to get his hole in one. Jim, Dad, Ace, Papa, we find comfort in all the times we shared. Those memories will keep us strong and you will live on in our hearts always. We are all connected by an invisible rainbow string and know we will feel it tug on our hearts when we're thinking of each other. We love you beyond forever.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 1:00pm at Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue in Madison, with a visitation beginning one hour prior. Entombment will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison. Memorials in his name may be made to, his cousin Father Paul Fagan's organization; Roads to Life Tanzania Inc. PO BOX 157, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821,  480-799-3270 or at  www.roadstolifetanzania.com or to Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718 or at giveshelter.org under memorial or honor tribute.