Jim was born on November 16, 1939 in Clintonville, WI to Albert O. and Helen (nee Schultz) Severson. He graduated from Juneau High School and was united in marriage to Carolyn Schultz on March 29, 1958 at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church in Lowell, WI. Jim worked as a parts manager for Mercury Outboards in Fond du Lac, where he also helped write many engine repair manuals.

Jim was a very generous man with a big heart. He enjoyed joking around and tried to make everyone around him very comfortable. He was known to be quite meticulous, not only with the way he dressed, but also with his yard work and vehicles; he sure did love his Cadillacs. Jim enjoyed fishing, pheasant and deer hunting, bowling, playing euchre and watching sports on TV, including the Packers, Badgers and especially the Brewers. Jim's most treasured time was spent with his family, including three cruises that they enjoyed together.

Jim will be dearly missed by his wife, Carolyn of Beaver Dam; his daughter, Julie (Tim) Barstow of Beaver Dam; his foster daughter, Sheri (nee Thorn) Peschl of Tallahassee, FL; two foster grandsons, Ryan and Justin Peschl; and two sisters, Diane Schroud of Sun Prairie and Donna Hahn of Vermillion, SD. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gary Sturner; two brother-in-laws, Roland Hahn and Willie Schroud; and one niece, Patti Nelson.

A Funeral Service for James will be on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd. in Beaver Dam with Rev. Dr. Mark Molldrem officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the funeral home. James will be laid to rest at Grove Prairie Cemetery, Town of Lowell, Dodge County.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.

Click HERE to view Jim's Life Tribute Video.