James D. Kingsley

MADISON - James D. Jim Kingsley, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Madison, on Wednesday, June 14, 2017. Jim was born March 9, 1934 to Norm and Vera (Ware) Kingsley. Jim grew up in Madison, graduating from Madison Central High School. Jim joined the U.S. Army in 1950 serving in the Army Band. He loved music, so this was a great fit for him. He played both the trumpet and French horn. He never read music, always played by ear. Jim once surprised his platoon when they were in Washington D.C., by picking up his horn and playing Big Bad John for JFK when his procession passed in front of them. His performance received a smile and wave from JFK. In 1972 Jim married Ruth (Spangler) Vohs, and took her family as his own. Their door was always open, and your smile was always welcome. Jim and Ruth enjoyed car trips whether near or far. They loved time with all of the family, hosting multitudes of cookouts beside the pool. They enjoyed 28 years of love but their time was cut short with Ruths passing in October, 1999. After several years of loneliness, Jim met and married Sydney Marie (Lane). Sydney brought three more children into Jims life when they married in 2002. Their life together became a challenge when Sydney was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2009. Sydney fought a long battle but passed in March, 2017. Jim had several jobs in his life, but in 1979 he began to work for the U.S. Postal Service as a Motor Vehicle Operator. Jim loved his job and co-workers, and never complained about work. He always considered himself lucky to love what he did and to have good friends to work with. Jim once received employee of the year, which he held dear. Jim carried his Betty Boop lunchbox at work and he would be sure it was filled with birdseed (candy) to share with everyone. With his fascination of owls, Jim took on the nickname of Hooter by all that knew him there. Hoot-Hoot! Jim made it a goal to be the oldest driver to retire from the transportation department, and was at age 75. The next year he was diagnosed with cancer, which remained his nemesis until the end. Jim enjoyed vinyl record, movie, and Betty Boop collecting, biking, and grocery shopping, but most of all time with family and friends. He loved talking sports, about his Badgers and his Packers, and talking Post Office. Jim loved the opportunity to teach someone how to play chess, only to then show them how he could beat them in five moves. He was a goof, and he enjoyed teasing. Most of his grandkids were given funny nick names when little, and those names stuck for life. Jim is survived by his children, Geraldine Gerry Vohs, Sherrie (Chris) Saunders, Terry (Vickie) Vohs, Mary (Steve) Perkins, and Robert Bob (MaryAnn Dailey) Vohs; Sydneys children, Don (Rain) Bunker, Nicole Bunker, and Doug Bunker; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a recent great-great-granddaughter; Jims sister, Marcia Phillips of Janesville; brothers, John Kingsley of Portage and Danny (Anna) Schroeder of Madison. Along with his wives, Jim is preceded in death by his grandson, Derek Vohs; his parents; and brother, Bix Kingsley. Funeral Services will be held at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Rd, Madison, on Friday, June 23, 2017 beginning at 1 p.m. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from noon until the time of service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, with our thanks! A special thank you to Agrace Hospice, and their amazing team, RN Brian, CNA Andrea, and SW Michele. Also, Dr Roy Kim of SSM Dean Oncology. Pastor TimothyYou brought the last smile to Jims face! Thank you for sharing in his journey! ~OWL Always Love You~ All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com