JAMES LA FOND

James "Jim" Howard La Fond, of Neenah, age 75, died peacefully Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 11:37 p.m. at Theda Clark Memorial Hospital with his family at his side following a courageous three year battle with cancer. He was born May 20, 1934, in Neenah, the son of the late Howard and Adelle (Endter) La Fond. He was a 1952 graduate of Neenah High School and attended Fox Valley Technical College. Jim served in the United States Naval Reserves. James was a journeyman machinist and was employed at both the Lakeview Division and the Research and Engineering division of Kimberly Clark Corporation. He retired from Kimberly Clark Corporation in 1994 after 41 years of employment. James was a very private person, with a quiet way about him and his sense of humor always shone through. His good character showed in how he led his life. He dedicated his life to his devoted wife of 54 years and his family. He was an avid reader, enjoyed motor homing, and traveling throughout the United States and Canada. He enjoyed motorcycling, metal lathing, photography, watch and clock repair, stamp collecting, spending time at his home away from home in Portage County, spectator sports, working crossword puzzles and most of all spending time with his family. James was especially proud of his children Candi, Tim and Jon (the pride and joy of his life), his grandchildren Dan, Johnna, Elisabeth and Tim. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He will be remembered fondly by many as a loving and talented man with an innate ability to make others laugh. Survivors include his wife Esther, Neenah: daughter, Candice Breitengross of Grand Chute: a son Timothy (Ann) La Fond of Neenah: Four grandchildren: his grandson, Daniel La Fond of Neenah: granddaughter Johnna Breitengross, of Grand Chute: granddaughter Elisabeth La Fond, Neenah and a grandson Timothy Breitengross, Grand Chute: a sister, Susan (Allan) La Selle, Bixby Oklahoma: a nephew, Jeffery (Mary) La Selle, Irving Texas: a niece Robin (Rob) Tanner, Bixby Oklahoma: two great nieces and great nephews, Grant and Sidney La Selle, Andrew and Rachael Tanner: his two faithful buddies "Raven" and "Karma". In addition to his parents (Howard and Adelle LaFond), James was preceded in death by a son Jon La Fond, three brothers: Thomas, Jerry and Donn LaFond. A celebration of life for James will be held Thursday, January 14, 2010, 11:30 AM, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 200 N. Commercial Street, Neenah, with Reverend Paul Holte officiating. Family and friends may call at the church on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the hour of service. Burial will take place at St. Margaret Cemetery in Neenah. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his honor to the Siekman Cancer Center at Appleton Medical Center, 900 E. Grant St., Appleton, WI, 54911. . The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Patrick Brennan and the entire ER and CCU staff at Theda Clark Medical Center; Dr. Anthony Phillips, Dr. Michael Ray and the wonderful staff at the Martha Siekman Cancer Center in Appleton; Dr. Charles Cheng of Fox Valley Surgical Associates; as well as the entire staff at Appleton Medical Center and Theda Clark Medical Center for their wonderful care and concern for James throughout his battle with cancer. To our wonderful family and friends, neighbors and coworkers go heartfelt thanks for your thoughts, prayers and kind deeds throughout James' illness. We are at peace knowing your pain and suffering has subsided. The love, joy and happiness that you've given to all of us will forever remain in our hearts. We love you always, Your Family.