James A. "Jim" Lockbaum

James A. "Jim" Lockbaum

HUDSON - James A. "Jim" Lockbaum, 88, of Hudson, WI formerly of Chippewa Falls) passed from this life peacefully on October 8, 2023. He was born at home in Lafayette Township to George and Rose (Lanners) Lockbaum as the youngest of eight children. He attended Holy Ghost Grade School and graduated from McDonnell High School.

After graduation he volunteered for military service and served honorably in the Army during the Korean War.

He married Evelyn Moody in 1958 at Holy Ghost Church in Chippewa Falls, and together they raised five children.

Family time activities were important to Jim and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, flying, water skiing, camping, skiing, and snowmobiling with his children.

An inveterate fixer of all things mechanical and electrical, he could usually be found tinkering in the garage. Jim was especially proud of attaining his private pilot's license and owned several aircraft over his lifetime. His hangar was his second home and he spent many hours there working on his airplane and hanging out with the other airport "bums".

In his working years, Jim started out as a Machinist, earning his Journeyman certification. He then fulfilled another apprenticeship as a Journeyman Steamfitter, serving in Local 434 for over 30 years. In that capacity, he took part in major projects throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Many of those projects were new construction of powerhouses, municipal buildings, paper mills, and oil refineries. He loved this type of work and it showed.

In retirement, he and Evelyn enjoyed international travel and spending their winters in Arizona.

Armed with a sense of humor and sharp wit, he never missed a thing and relished in analyzing current topics and historical events. His love of learning and gift of conversation were endless. He could carry on a discussion with anyone.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Lloyd (Jean); sisters: Evelyn (Kenneth) Hegland, Margaret (L.J.) Lott, Rosemary (Sam) Hirsch, Irene (Paul) Pederson, and Louise (Earl) Hart; his mother and father-in-law, Vayne and Adeline Moody; and his brother-in-law, Dale.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; sons: Paul of Maplewood, MN, Joel of Hudson, WI and James G. (Tina) of Oconomowoc, WI; daughters: Laura (David) Wentz of Strasburg, CO and Mary Jo Lockbaum (Tony) of Brighton, CO; nine grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Earl (Jackie) of Chippewa Falls; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Notre Dame Church, in Chippewa Falls. The Very Rev. Jesse Burish will be Celebrant of the funeral Mass. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council

Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Francesca Food Bank in care of Notre Dame Church, Chippewa Falls.

Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls is in charge of arrangements.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.horanfuneralhome.com.