James Francis Trainor

James Francis Trainor
"Jim"
Of Brookfield passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 1, 2022. Born August 9, 1945, in Pittsfield, MA, the beloved son of the late Helen and Francis Trainor, came to Wisconsin as a young man to attend Marquette University. He excelled at many occupations over the years, particularly placing engineers and IT employees with companies, and is remembered by many as a great mentor and the best boss they ever had.
A humble man with a big personality, he found great fulfillment in his retirement job driving a school bus for St. Mary's Elm Grove and Dixon schools. Jim loved kids, education, and serving others. An extraordinary volunteer, he was quick to lend a helping hand at Brookfield Academy, Serenity Inn, Habitat for Humanity, the Brookfield Public Library, Junior Achievement, and his church. He also joyfully served as a Big Brother, golf marshall, and youth sports coach.
His family never had cause to doubt Jim's abounding love and bright hopes for them. He is deeply missed by his wife (and love of his life) of 37 years, Joan (Bekkedal) Trainor; his children Scott (Jose) Trainor, Chad (Carol) Trainor, Brian (fiancee Allison Rusie) Trainor, Carly Trainor, and Kimberly (John) Tschantz, as well as five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Jim is survived by his siblings John (Brenda) Trainor, Maureen (Mike) Dolan, Eloise (Kay McMahon) Trainor, and Brian (Diane) Trainor, and by his brother-in-law Gary (Jean) Bekkedal and sister-in-law, Jean (Mark) Corgiat, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Always encouraging, positive, optimistic, and hospitable, Jim made life a little bit better for everyone in his orbit. His supreme joys were making people comfortable and making them laugh. Rarely talking about himself, he showed great interest in others while showering them with gracious hospitality. He loved entertaining; guests always found the front door open in welcome, a fire in the fireplace, delicious food, and wine glasses that mysteriously never got empty. Friends and family knew they were always welcomed at Jim and Joan's home, as long as they departed by 9 pm!
Jim enjoyed golfing, gardening, reading, entertaining, singing (church choir and barbershop chorus), and traveling. His favorite travel adventure was a family trip to Ireland, but he also enjoyed numerous visits to Florida and Door County. He even relished the scenery on his daily bus route through Brookfield and Elm Grove.
Jim enjoyed nothing more than being with his family-and they with him. Trainor Family life was full of surprise visits, jokes, pranks, and lots of love and support. The family rallied around Jim and Joan from the time of his stroke en route to Florida on Christmas Eve to the moment he passed on April 1. His family is his enduring legacy.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Rehab Hospital of Wisconsin, the Congregational Home, and Froedtert Hospital for their kind care. True to his nature, Jim remained positive and congenial to the end of his life. To know Jim Trainor was to love him-and to want to be more like him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 1, at Unity Lutheran Church (Cross of Life Campus, Brookfield). Visitation with the family from 3 pm–5 pm will be followed by a service at 5:15 pm. Guests are encouraged to wear bright colors reflecting Jim's happy attitude towards life.
In lieu of sending flowers, please plant a flower in honor of Jim.