James E. Giddings

1958 - 2011

Giddings, James E.

James E. Giddings, 53, of Plover, Wis., died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011, under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice at home with his loving family at his bedside.

James was born June 4, 1958, to Arthur and Barbara (White) Giddings in LaGrange, Ill. He grew up in Hinsdale, Ill., where he attended grade school and graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 1976. After high school, James attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie to study hotel and restaurant management.

In his earlier years, James was hired by Gilbert Roberson Inc. as an assistant manager. He worked in the Chicago area managing within the Houlihan's restaurant chain. He later became manager of a Stuart Anderson's steakhouse. In 1987, he and his wife became owner and operator of the Wisconsin River Golf Club. James sold the golf club in the year of 2001. He became station manager with Midwest Airlines at the Central Wisconsin Airport.

James married Jill Rennie on Sept. 10, 1983, at the Hinsdale United Methodist Church in Hinsdale, Ill.

James will be remembered for his lovable and hardworking personality. He was a "people person" at heart and had an infectious laugh and smile. His determined nature was only outdone by his willingness to help others. In his younger years, James had a passion for swimming. James loved technology and computers; he had a fascination with space and aviation; and in his spare time, James loved cooking and cheering on the Chicago Bears and White Sox. He was a past member of the Lions Club and former member of the Plover Police and Fire Commission.

Survivors include his wife, Jill of Plover; son, Paul Giddings of Stevens Point; daughter, Audrey Giddings of Milwaukee; mother, Barbara Giddings of Willowbrook, Ill.; brother, Robert (Mary) Giddings of Naperville, Ill.; niece, Katie Giddings; and nephew, Ben Giddings.

He is preceded in death by his father, Arthur; and brother, Dr. Thomas Giddings.

A Celebration of his Life will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, at Boston Funeral Home, Stevens Point, Wis., with the Rev. Dee Webber officiating. A time of visitations and sharing of memories will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and from noon until time of service Sunday, at the funeral home.

Burial will take place in Bronswood Cemetery, Oakbrook, Ill.

Boston Funeral Home

www.bostonfuneralhome.net

715-344-4223

James's family would like to thank the attentive staff at Ministry Saint Clare's Hospital in Weston, and the staff of Ministry Home Care Hospice of Stevens Point for the care given.