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BORN
1959
DIED
2025
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James Hovde Obituary
October 5, 1959 - March 9, 2025
James "Jim" E. Hovde passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 9th, at his home. He was 65 years old. Jim's family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.
Jim was born to Donald and Virginia Hovde on October 5th, 1959, at Madison General Hospital and resided in Madison, WI for the majority of his life. He graduated from Madison East High School in 1978 and went on to attend UW-Oshkosh, later graduating from UW-Madison. Jim was a devout Christian and attended Door Creek Church, while also visiting other churches to attend Christian services.
Jim is survived by his four siblings: Steven D. Hovde, Jane Elizabeth Hennessy (Daniel), Eric D. Hovde (Sharon), and Kirsten Ann Shea (Jim), as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved cats, Remington and Haley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Virginia Hovde.
Jim was a natural salesperson and could talk to anyone. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. He helped his father, Donald, assemble hundreds of acres of land on the east side of Madison and was instrumental in the development of Richmond Hills. He was a diehard Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and the biggest Elvis Presley fan. Later in life, he came to enjoy playing pickleball.
Jim, like many, had his struggles and battled alcoholism for 20 years before finding sobriety. He was a regular attendee of Alcoholics Anonymous and sponsored many others who struggled with addiction. James had a passion for his pets and animals, regularly volunteering at animal shelters, adopting pets, and providing financial resources to animal rights groups. He will be remembered for his great laugh and kind heart.
The funeral service will be held at Door Creek Church (6602 Dominion Dr, Madison, WI 53718) on Friday, March 28th, at 12:30 PM, followed by a celebration of life at 1855 Saloon & Grill (218 S Main St, Cottage Grove, WI 53527) from 1:30 to 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Dane County Humane Society would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hovde
Sponsored by Ryan Funeral Home - North Side Chapel - Madison.
Katherine Stolen-Sime
April 4, 2025
Jim & I reconnected some time back through fb. Jim was really proud of his success in conquering soberness. He celebrated his milestones. He was also extremely proud of Eric running for the senate. Jim will be missed by so many people. My condolences to the family. You've been in my prayers.
Michael Lanzendorf
March 29, 2025
Jim, Zebo and I went to Chicago for a couple days, we spent both nights on Rush Street. I will leave what we did there, to your imagination. Jim introduced me to many firsts, Stevie Wonder, Classical music, Gino`s Lasagna, Lobster at the club, driving his Father`s V12 Jaguar, Saunas, after a shower, he dried his hair by leaning out the car window while driving, Our Hockey team, Jim was my best friend for a very long time! I will never forget Bucky, his dog.
Lisa Johnson
March 27, 2025
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
I have so many memories of Jim and will always remember his sense of humor and of course his love of Elvis Presley Music!!!!
Jim loved his animals and his mama Ginny dearly. He would always tell me how he looked forward to seeing them in heaven one day. That day has come too quickly and he will always be missed.
Martha Hovde-Halma
March 26, 2025
Thinking of the Hovde Family,
Our deepest condolences for our families loss. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
Martha & Craig Halma
Elisa & Yvo, Kirsten Glenn
Craig Alex
Jay & Trudi Cook
March 24, 2025
Our condolences to jim's family. Jim was a great guy. He was very generous. He always made those around him feel like anything was possible.
Elizabeth Wormley
March 24, 2025
My condolences to Jim's family. I'll always remember that beautiful smile. RIP my friend.
Mark & Kristi Gerhardt
March 23, 2025
Our sincerest condolences to Jim's family. Rest in peace, we will miss you.
Diane Suter Hyames
March 23, 2025
Jim was just a great person. We were in school together from Middle school on. We had spoken recently online about politics and life in general. Shocked
and saddened when I read this news. A good person gone too soon.
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Ryan Funeral Home - North Side Chapel - Madison2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704
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