West Bend, WI – James F. Gorman went home to his creator on May 2, 2025 surrounded by his family.
James was the son of Chester J. Gorman and Evelyn A. Gorman (Geib), born on August 14, 1942 in West Bend, WI. He grew up in West Bend and attended Holy Angels grade school and graduated from West Bend High School in 1960. Following high school he attended Bryant & Stratton Business College in Milwaukee. Prior to his marriage he served as the 2nd Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #80 held at the 5th Ave Methodist Church for six years.
In August 1964, he enlisted with the 32nd Aviation Battalion of the Wisconsin Army National Guard for a 6 year stint. In 1966 he was selected by his battalion officers to be awarded as the outstanding non-commissioned officer of the year. He ended his service with the rank of Specialist E-5.
On August 19, 1967 he married Joyce A Weis, daughter of Richard and Adeline Weis of West Bend at St Frances Cabrini Parish. They were blessed with three daughters, Laura, Jennifer, and Angie Gorman.
He worked for several companies during his career starting with Kranz Paper Company of Milwaukee, West Bend Aluminum Company, Serigraph Sales, Screen Process Specialists, Color Arts of Racine, and Burlington Graphics of Racine. He served in various sales capacities but his favorite job was developing new customers and relationships within the industry. After investing 40 years in the industry he retired in 2009.
His family, church, and community were extremely important to him. At St Frances Cabrini he served on Parish Council, Prayer & Worship, the Welcoming Committee, Pastoral Care, and also served in leadership of the Spirit and Life Prayer Group.
His faith led him and several other individuals to form the Hmong/American Advisory Board to help the local Hmong population to become more self-sufficient. He wrote a grant to the Campaign for Human Development for a cucumber project and received a sizable grant to grow 29 acres of cucumbers.
The Gormans loved camping and fishing. They traveled in their motorhome through many states and Canada. In 2000, Joyce became ill and passed away on April 15, 2001, at the age of 53 after 33 years of marriage. On January 26, 2002 Jim married Jean Meyer (Hausmann) at St Mary’s Church in Mayville.
They loved their home on Lake Wisconsin for 12 years but were also busy volunteering for Family Promise, St Vincent de Paul, and ministries at St Mary’s Parish in Barton.
Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also served as Grand Knight. He supported seminarians at St Francis de Sales Seminary personally and through the Knights of Columbus RSVP Program. He assisted with promoting the Men of Christ Conferences, That Man is You series, and other men’s spiritual programs. The winter months found Jim working on his genealogy and model railroad.
He is survived by his wife Jean, his daughters Laura Stautz (Kevin), Jennifer Zuba (Brad), Angie Gorman (significant other Jay Haller), 5 grandchildren, Andrew (Katherine), Alexia, Nicholas, Michael, & Alec, 1 great grandchild Noah, step-children Jill & Brian Zimmermann, Jeff & Josephine Meyer, and step grandchildren Justin, Jessica, Jordan, & Katelyn. He is further survived by his sister Mary Marks and 3 nephews, Bryan Marks (Lisa), Dan Marks (Kathy) and John Marks.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church in West Bend with Rev. Jacob Strand presiding. Burial will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Angels Cemetery. The family will greet visitors on Thursday, at the church from 9:00 a.m. until a Knights of Columbus prayer service at 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials to the St. Francis de Sales Seminary are appreciated.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com
So sorry for your loss Angie! Praying for you and your family. Sending hugs!!!
Sincerely, Kim Gourley