James "Jim" Crist

James W. Crist, 76, passed away early Thursday morning, June 10, 2021 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice surrounded by his family.

Jim was born August 29, 1944 in Ottowa, KS, the son of James Wallace and Elizabeth (nee Wright) Crist. His family moved to Wisconsin when he was a young boy, and he graduated from Cedar Grove High School in 1962. He went on to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1962-1966 as a missile fire technician. Upon returning to Wisconsin, he worked at J.M. Bruce Foundry in Cedar Grove until they closed in 2000. He then joined Bemis in the shipping department until his retirement in 2011.

On May 13, 1967, he was united in marriage with MaryAnn VanSluys at First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Grove. The couple celebrated 54 years together this year.

Jim was a longtime member of Vander Jagt-Debruine American Legion, Post 338 where he was a former commander. He also belonged to the Cedar Grove Fellowship bowling league, and had coaching his son’s football and baseball teams. He later enjoyed umping youth rec league games, golfing, hunting, fishing and doing crossword and suduko puzzles.

Jim is survived by his wife, MaryAnn and their sons: James W. (April), Michael and Andrew, all of Cedar Grove. He is further survived by his grandchildren: James W. Crist (Renee) of Cedar Grove and Jessica Crist of DePere; great-grandchildren Payge and James W.; sisters Betty Watson of OH and Joleen Sullivan of VA; sisters-in-law Marie Crist of OH and Shirley Butler of Gotham, WI; brother-in-law Dennis VanSluys of Sheboygan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Frank Crist and brothers-in-law Jimmy Watson, Raymond Butler and Gene Sullivan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg. Rev. David Van Dixhorn will officiate. Full military honors will follow the service. All are welcome to view a livestream of the service at wenig.live/JamesCrist . The family will receive visitors at the funeral home Friday from 1:00-2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund, Camo Quilt Project or Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Matthews, Dr. Detrana and the staff of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.

The Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg is serving the family. For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com .