James M. Giordana, 86, of Kenosha, WI, passed away on March 31, 2015 at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, WI.
Jim was born October 28, 1928 in Kaukauna, WI, the ninth of twelve children born to the late Emil and Laura (Diaguardo) Giordana. He graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Berlin, Germany from June 1949 to August of 1952.
Jim attended the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point from 1952 to 1954 and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh from 1954 to 1956, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree with dual majors in English and History. He earned his master’s degree in Library Science from Rosary College, River Forest, IL in 1970.
On July 23, 1953 he married Sally Ann Benson in Waukegan, IL and moved to Kenosha, WI in 1956. He taught and coached at Washington Junior High School from 1956 to 1964. From 1964 to 1990, he taught and coached at Mary D. Bradford High School.
Jim was a member of the National Education Association, the Wisconsin Education Association, the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association, the Danish Brotherhood Lodge and a past member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed reading, all sports, and travel. He was a frustrated golfer who enjoyed being with his golf buddies.
He is survived by his daughter Jill (John) Harrison of Vail CO; his daughter Lisa Giordana (Martin Beckman) of Saint Johns, FL; and his son Patrick Giordana (Susan Hernke) of Hudson, WI. He also leaves behind his five grandchildren: Maddie Giordana, Misha Harrison, Jenna Harrison, Molly Beckman and Jacob Giordana. He is also survived by his sister, Janice (Bob) Hammen; his brother, Frank (Red) Giordana; his sisters-in-law, Donna Giordana, Lorraine (Butter) Giordana, and Sally Giordana; and special friend, Jean Schumann, all of Kaukauna, WI. He was preceded in death by his wife Sally Ann in 2005; four sisters: Sister Jilene (Theophane), Philomena Skalmusky, Lucille Schmidt and Mary Hubert; and five brothers: Carl, Joe, Emil, Bob and Rich.
A memorial service for Jim will be held at 12:00PM, Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Hansen-Lendman Funeral Home (6019 7th Ave, Kenosha), with Deacon Ron Lesjak officiating. Friends may call directly at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:30AM until the time of the service. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service.