James Hoskins

James Hoskins died peacefully in his home, on May 2, 2022, at the age of 93.  He was born in Evanston, Illinois, on January 20, 1929, to Joe and Hazel (Borden) Hoskins. He attended Evanston Township High School and Northwestern University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. On January 15, 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Lucille (Lou) Nelson, in Evanston and moved to Madison to take a job with Ray-O-Vac. Shortly thereafter, during the Korean War, Uncle Sam notified Jim that his services were needed. He served at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, IN, and the 7 ^th Armored Division at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri with the Adjutant General’s Office as Classification and Assignment Officer. Their daughter, Carol Ann, was born in 1954 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following his military service, Jim and Lou returned to Madison for a short time until Jim accepted a position with Production Enterprises, Inc., of Chicago, and Ashippun, Wisconsin. With the proposed construction of the Kennedy Expressway, the Chicago plant was forced to relocate, and Marshall, Wisconsin, was chosen as the new location, in or order to be near Madison, as well as the Ashippun plant. Jim became manager of the Marshall facility and shortly thereafter was elected President of the Corporation. He and Lou adopted their daughter, Amy Susan in 1967. He later purchased Production Enterprises and enjoyed many years in charge of the operation of both plants, which were prominent in the manufacture of custom-designed mufflers and air silencers for stationary diesel engines. He retired in 1988, and he and Lou were able to enjoy traveling, cruising and winters in Florida and Arizona.

Jim will be remembered for his unconditional love and consideration for family and friends. Jim was a member of Blackhawk Country Club, Madison Gyro Club, Masonic Temple, and Zor Shrine. He also served for many years as a board member of Children’s Service Society and United Cerebral Palsy.

Jim is survived by his daughters Carol and Amy, his grandchildren, David and Kyler, and Hope Hensel, who is an amazing family friend, that Jim considered a daughter. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Donald Sullivan, Kalispell, MT, a sister-in-law Marilyn (Nelson) Cyr, Appleton, WI, and loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lucille (LuLu), a daughter, Barbara Ann, a son, William James, his father, Joe Hoskins, his mother, Hazel (Borden) Hoskins, his sister Suzanne (Donald) Sullivan and his brother-in-law Richard (Marilyn) Cyr.

A visitation for James will be held on Saturday, May 21 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, from 10-11 AM.  A memorial service to follow at 11 am.  In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to Agrace Hospice ( https://www.agrace.org/donate/ ) .

“You were such an amazing father, and we were so lucky to have you as our dad. You taught us strength, unconditional love, and grace. You are forever in our hearts, and we know you are looking over us to continue guiding us and protecting us. Thank you for giving us all you gave. We felt your love every day. You will be missed more than words can say. We love you.” Amy and Carol

“Thanks Gramps, for always loving us and being a great role model. You were always there and were an important part of our lives. You and Grandma helped make us the people we are today. We love you. “ David and Kyler

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their wonderful care of our dad in his final days. They brought all of us peace and comfort.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434