James M Houtz

Sun Prairie- James M. ""Jim"" Houtz, age 65, passed away on February 5, 2009 at his residence after a brief illness.  He was born on July 21, 1943 in Madison the son of Msgt. Merlin & Virginia (Patterson) Houtz.  Jim graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1961 where he participated and excelled in four separate sports.  His education continued at Utah State University-Logan in business administration and he also attended Madison Business College.  In 1969 he began his career with American Family Financial Services where he was promoted to branch manager in Denver, CO in 1973.  Jim moved back to Sun Prairie in 1981 at which time he became a subcontractor for Gil-Her LTD Construction.  In 1995 he began his employment as a courier for a local messenger service which he did until his retirement.  Jim was an avid sports fan enjoying auto racing, hunting, fishing and card playing.  Many cherished moments were spent with close friends pursuing these interests.  Survivors, include his mother, Virginia Houtz; his sister, Carrie; his nieces Liz (her children Zachary and Abigail) Foster and Katharine Meyer; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, his first wife, Patricia (nee Shallue) Ellis and his second wife, Judith (nee Yatzeck) Houtz.  The family would like to thank Jim's good friend Paul for taking him back and forth to his frequent medical procedures over the past several months.  Also, heartfelt thanks to the many dear and loyal friends who wrote, telephoned and visited Jim during his last few weeks.  Your care and concern meant a great deal to him. He was well loved.  Honoring his wishes, a formal funeral or visitation will not be held. A private family interment will take place later this spring in the Wauzeka City Cemetery.  If wealth is measured in the amount of how many friends someone has, then Jim died a very rich man.    Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie, WI www.cressfuneralservice.com