James J. Spitz

James J. Spitz

Found peace in the Lord on October 17, 2019 at the age of 92 years. He was the beloved husband of Elda (nee Giuliani) Spitz and the loving father of Susan (Kevin) Joy, John Spitz, Jake (Nina Vitek) Spitz, Mary Ellen (the late Richard) Bronek and Carolyn (Chad Schraufnagel) Whittaker. Jim is further survived by his dearest grandchildren Hunter, Erik, Nicholas, Sonia, Lauren, Sydney, Jillian, Elyse, Christian and Josie; his fond sister, Arlene Keinert and sister-in-law Agatha Giuliani Fingland; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Spitz and Alma Spitz, and his siblings, Louis Spitz, Elinor Dory, Margaret Spitz, Bernard Spitz, Arthur Spitz, Robert Spitz, Virginia Bonesho, and William Spitz.

Jim’s early years were in a family of 12 where love prevailed as Alma and Louis nurtured young lives. He was a graduate of Holy Angels grade school, then teen years at Messmer High School, continuing his education at Marquette University and further at Northwestern University. World War II, however, interrupted this course, when he was drafted after high school graduation in 1945 into the US Army in Special Services. His work years began at Messmer High School teaching speech and English and directing the school plays and continued later at St. Joan Antida High School always giving of his expertise which endeared him to many students. Some part time teaching at Marquette University, where he served on the Alumni Board for many years, lead him to full time teaching at Cardinal Stritch College establishing theater work there. A change beckoned him and he moved on to Director of Admissions for the college. A family travel business invited another change and he became Vice President of then Your World Travel. Family Stay Program, within the agency, encouraged teen age French students to spend summer months in Milwaukee homes. This eventually became his primary focus until retirement. He later volunteered in the ER at St. Michael’s Hospital. Oh, and in the midst of all, was married, raised a family of 5, travel extensively, was a sports spectator, always had a love for his faith, the Lord, daily mass. His beads were always in his hands. He was an active member of St. Monica Parish in Whitefish Bay for over 40 years and more recently at Lumen Christi in Mequon. At age 85 he authored three children’s books; a series titled “Jake and Minnie”. He was blessed with family, in-laws, grandchildren, many many nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends. His sense of humor and wit constantly remained with him. Did he live the good life?

Ah, yes!

Visitation will be held for Jim on Tuesday, October  22, 2019 from 3:30pm until the time when family will share their spoken tributes at 5:30pm, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 6:00pm, all at St. Monica Catholic Church, 5681 North Santa Monica Boulevard, Whitefish bay, Wisconsin 53217. Private interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Mequon, Wisconsin. Memorials to the charity of your choice requested by Jim's family.

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