James R. (Jim) Killian, age 87, died peacefully at home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on Wednesday, August 21, 2013. Jim was born August 13, 1926 in Cudahy, Wisconsin to Frank and Louise Killian, the youngest of eight children. Jim grew up in Cudahy, where he was very active in school sports and in the community. A World War II veteran, Jim served his country in the U.S. Army Ordnance in South Korea after being drafted while in high school.

Jim married Jeanne Gavin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 9, 1949. They moved to Madison and then Verona, where they resided for many years and raised their four children. Jim served on the park board and as assistant fire chief in the volunteer fire department. Jim worked in construction most of his life, as a local builder and then for Marshall Erdman & Associates as a project manager. He finished his career as a realtor in the Madison area.
Jim was an outdoor enthusiast, an active hunter and fisherman, and passed his love of nature and wildlife on to his children. Jim enjoyed sharing true stories of his life experiences with family and friends and his presence will be missed at family gatherings.

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeanne, daughters Kathy Killian (Bob Gerber), Karen Rogness, and Kristi Killian, son Keith Killian (Judy), grandchildren Teresa (Jon) Bublitz and Tom Rogness, and great-granddaughters Taylor and Camryn Bublitz.

A Memorial Service for Jim will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., in Beaver Dam, with Chaplain Dennis Richards officiating. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to Hillside Hospice, 709 S. University Ave., Beaver Dam, WI 53916.

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