James Ventura, age 87, of Kenosha, WI, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, in St. Petersburg, FL.
A lifelong Kenosha resident, James was born on November 3, 1937, and was the son of the late Domenic and Lillian Ventura. He attended St. Mary’s and McKinley Elementary Schools, McKinley Junior High School and was a graduate of Bradford High School. He also attended Parkside University.
James met the love of his life, Donna Johnson, at a Dry Dock Friday night high school dance. On July 19, 1958, at St. George Catholic Church, they were united in marriage. She preceded him in death on August 14, 2016.
He served in the United States Naval Reserves, Construction Battalion.
James started his career as an operating Engineer working for his uncle, Tony Russo, at MAC construction. He worked there for 21 years. He was partners with his cousin, Robert Ventura, and Bob Grno at Midwest Construction for 7 years. He finished out his career working for contractors in Illinois, retiring in 1998.
For over 50 years, James and Donna were active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They were Eucharistic ministers, participated in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Enrichment Program for the Engaged as facilitators and speakers, and served on the Engaged Enrichment Board in Milwaukee for several years.
In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking care of his yard and garden. He loved to make homemade pasta and try new Italian recipes. James and Donna spent their winters in Largo, FL for many years. They made many friends that became their second family. He always referred to Florida as his “paradise.” He served on the condominium board for many years and was always willing to lend a helping hand to maintain and improve the property. He was a master woodworker making beautiful furniture for family, friends and his Florida home.
James was blessed with wonderful children, grandchildren, friends, and relatives. “They are lives treasures and joys” (Matthew 6:21).
Survivors include his four loving children: James (Linda) Ventura, Jr., Michael Ventura, Christopher Ventura and Dr. Rita Ventura; former son-in-law, Joseph Kadamian; his grandchildren: Anthony (Alexis) Ventura, Gianna (Derek) Anderson, Jared (Mandi) Ventura and Liliana Kadamian; his great grandchildren: Dominic and Viviana Ventura, Isla and Ava Anderson, and Kendall Ventura; and his siblings: Mary Joy Hendrickson (Robert Shafer), Thomas (Marie) Ventura, Joanne Czeswik (Frederick Randal), John (MaryKay) Ventura; Kathy (Richard) Rose, Michael (Stacy) Ventura, Joseph (Veronica) Ventura and William Ventura; sibling in-laws: Carol Johnson, Karen (Rochley) Gross and David (Diane) Johnson; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his beloved wife, Donna; his brother, Donald Ventura; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Johnson and John Hendrickson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at Proko Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10:00AM at St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment in All Saints Cemetery will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Shalom Center or Hospice Alliance of Pleasant Prairie would be appreciated by the family.