JAMES CATLIN

James Kerwin Catlin (later known as Santiago, earlier known as Jim), beloved husband, father, man of faith, and spinach enthusiast, drew his last breath on April 28, 2023, mainly so he didn't witness the post Rodgers era of the Green Bay Packers.

            Jim got his start in Chicago, Illinois where he was born to parents John and Joan Catlin on June 15^th, 1944.  He then spent his formative years in Neenah making mischief with his sisters Marcia and Joanne, and brothers Timothy, Charles, Geoff and Chris, before going to prep school at Millbrook in New York state.  After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Yale University, initially studying physics before settling on economics and then graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1966.

            With diploma in hand, Jim then served as a Specialist in the Army starting in 1969 and spent most of his active service in Germany.  In 1972, Jim met the love of his life Carol, primarily because she needed tools to fix her boat and he was lucky enough to be the only one who could help.  As their family grew, Jim entered professional life thriving as a manager and special project manager in the family paper companies.

            Jim had more hobbies than can be reasonably counted.  Among his favorites were jazz guitar, wind surfing, downhill skiing, racing sailboats (and ice-boats), canoeing through the grizzly-bear-infested wilderness of Canada, learning Spanish, and donating his time and energy to many charitable causes.  People who witnessed his public generosity saw him serve on the boards of Mt. Tabor, Global Outreach, The Washington Island Rec Center, and as an executive member of TEC while also volunteering at Leaven.  Many more non-profits, faith-based organizations and individuals-in-need found a wellspring in Jim's kindness.  In addition to all of his various activities at home, Jim also made mission trips to Mexico and Nicaragua to help local communities build homes, churches, farms, and was henceforth requested to be known as Santiago.  

            Jim is survived by his wife Carol; his children Morgan (Niki), Clance (Lindsay) and William (Geneva); grandchildren Camden, Graysen, Noelle, Hugh, Jack and Theodore; brothers Timothy (Lynda), Geoff (Beth) and Chris (Barbara); sisters Marcia Coffey and Suzanne (Larry) Langohr; and numerous loved nieces, nephews, close friends and exchange students (especially Nelson Rugamas).  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Joan, brother Charles and sister Joanne.  

A visitation in remembrance of Jim will be held from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Westgor Funeral Home located at 205 W. Doty Ave, Neenah, WI with military honors and a prayer service at 7:00 pm.  A funeral mass will be celebrated in his honor on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church; N369 Military Rd, Sherwood, WI.  A visitation at the church will start at 9:30 AM with mass at 11 AM, with a luncheon to follow. 

       In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Washington Island Recreation Center (https://www.moslingreccenter.org/) at P.O Box 68, Washington Island, WI 54246 or the Mount Tabor Center (SPIRITUS) at 522 Second St, Menasha, WI 54952. 

            Thanks to the medical staff at ThedaCare Hospital in Appleton and Hospice.