James Russell Janes

1944 - 2025

James Russell Janes of Buttes des Morts passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. He was born on August 20, 1944, in Milwaukee, WI to the late Stanley and Regina (Kucharek) Janes. On June 17, 1967, he married the love of his life Cynthia Lynne Snyder. Their love was a visible testament to the Sacrament of Marriage. He was a faithfully devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Jim attended St. Stephen's Catholic School and Notre Dame HS in Milwaukee, attended UW-Madison and graduated with a BBA from UW-Whitewater. Jim was an accomplished businessman starting at Rexnord Inc. in Milwaukee. He moved his family to Oshkosh in 1977 to work at Buckstaff Co. as VP of Finance. In 1985 he had a partnership in Roan Corp in Germantown before returning back to Oshkosh in 1986 as owner of Oshkosh Marine Supply. He added Derby Molded Products in 2005 and formed Janesco Inc. with his wife Cindy.

He was actively involved with the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce as a Chairman (2008-09), Treasurer (2004-06), Chair of Government Affairs, Distinguished Service Award winner (2011) and Volunteer of the Year (2007). He was involved in Oshkosh Area Economic Development Corporation, Independent Businessmen Association of Wisconsin and chair of Business Days in Madison where he was Board Member of the Year (2003). Jim was the lead Wisconsin Delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. He was on the UW-Oshkosh School of Business Deans Advisory Board specializing in family business and quality management and a founding member of the Wisconsin Family Business Forum. He also remained on the Board of Directors at Buckstaff.

In retirement, Jim obtained his VFR pilot's license. He flew a Bonanza BE35 airplane and was a member of the Bonanza Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He enjoyed taking Cindy and friends on day trips to small airports for breakfast, dinner or ice cream. He was a proud member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and a pilot for the Young Eagles program flying youth in the cockpit for the first time. Jim enjoyed his Porsche 911. Jim was part of the Fox Valley Region Porsche Clubs of America where he was Membership Chair, Treasurer and 2012 Enthusiast of the Year because of the many Midwest rallies he planned. He drove many grandchildren in Lourdes Academy Homecoming Parades.

Jim was active at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church and was a past parish council member. He was an avid golfer and served as a Marshall at the US Senior Open, PGA Championships, and NCAA Regionals. He also enjoyed skiing, teaching all of his children to ski, tennis, playing bridge, Badger Hockey games and planning trips with his family and friends. He loved cooking in retirement and helped organize neighborhood dinners with an abundance of food.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Cindy; his children, Pauline "Polly" (Timothy) Moore, Margaret "Peggy" (Mark) Tushar, and Philip (Megan) Janes; his grandchildren, Abigail Moore, Angela Moore, T. Jackson Moore, Ellen Moore, Molly Moore, Erin Moore, Anne Moore, Maria Tushar, Michael Tushar, Melanie Tushar, Benjamin Janes, Margaret Janes, Jack Janes; and his sister, Karen (Paul) Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and infant son Peter Janes.

A Mass of Christian Burial for family and friends will be on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Raphael Catholic Church 830 S. Westhaven Drive Oshkosh. Visitation will start at 9:00 am until the time of the Mass. A luncheon will follow at Good Samaritan Hall. A private family burial will take place at the Winneconne Cemetery.

A memorial has been established.

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.


Mueller Funeral Home
904 E Main Street
Winneconne WI 54986
920-582-4242