James A. Eisch

1947 - 2016

Eisch, James A.

James A. Eisch, 68, Kimberly, died a peaceful death at home, May 29, 2016, surrounded by his family. After 12 years of struggling with many medical issues, Jim was no longer able to continue the fight. Cancer, due to Agent Orange, consumed him until the Lord called him home knowing Jim was too weak to continue the struggle. Jim was born October 21, 1947 to Allen and Janet (Hauschel) Eisch. When Jim returned from Vietnam in 1968 he met Chris. Jim married Christine Quella on April 16, 1969 and they have enjoyed 47 years of marriage. Chris's parents, Richard and Elaine Quella, treated Jim as one of their own. They showed Jim the unconditional love a parent gives to a child and were there for him as any "parent" is there for their child. Although Jim died at his home in Kimberly, he never gave up his White Lake home as his main home. Illness for the last 12 years forced him to be in Kimberly more than he would have liked, but he was closer to his children and grandchildren. Jim was so thankful that Chris brought him to Tennessee a few weeks ago to see and spoil his great-grandson one last time.

Jim is survived by his wife Christine, children and grandchildren that he was so very, very proud of: daughter Colleen (Dr. Tim) O'Connor, grandson John; son James Jr. (Tammy), grandson Max; son Jeremy (Catherine) grandsons, Taylor Sherman (great grandson, Alexander "Xander" Lewis) and Diego, granddaughter Eliana; and son Joseph, granddaughter Cassandra. Jim is further survived by his mother-in-law Elaine Quella, sisters-in-law Gail Wians, Nancy (Dan) Christenson, Becky Van Heuklon, and Kathy (Bob) Dolezal, brothers-in-law Richard (Erin) Quella, and Joseph Quella, and his brother Dennis (Renee) Eisch, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his father-in-law Richard Quella.

Jim was a survivor. He worked hard at everything he did and helped anyone who needed help. Jim was a good man, whose gruff exterior shielded a heart of gold - the most tender and loving person on the interior. PTSD consumed Jim after his return from Vietnam. He was always ready to defend himself and those he loved. If you earned his trust, you were a friend forever. Jim lived in a complex balance. He would struggle with sadness and personal demons, all the while trying to be the best person he could be. Jim was a great provider and would do anything for his family. Jim was never comfortable living in the city, so he made his home in White Lake for many years. He felt safe and content in the middle of the woods, alone with nature.

Jim donated his body to science through the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Medical College. Jim's request was to not have a funeral. We will instead have a Celebration of Jim's Life on June 11, 2016 from 1 to 5 pm at Lake Park Pub. Family and friends are invited to share this time with us.

Jim's family would like to thank his VA doctors from Milwaukee and Green Bay for keeping him with us for the last 12 years, and Affinity Hospice for their care.