Obituary for James George "Jim" Carnitz

We're very sad to inform you that former Madison College Instructor James George "Jim" Carnitz has passed away. Here's his obituary:

James George "Jim" Carnitz
Wheeler

James was born on July 2, 1939, in Milwaukee, WI, to Orville George and Loraine Amanda (Gauger) Carnitz. He was a 1957 graduate of Washington High School, Milwaukee. He married Nancy Jane Hanks on June 10, 1961. He continued his education graduating from Stout State University, Menomonie, WI, with a BA, 1965 and a MA, 1967. He taught at Madison College from 1967 until retirement in 1994. After retiring, Jim volunteered on Dunn County Water Quality issues from 1994 through 2004; Tainter/Menomin Lake Association; and Red Cedar Basin Project/South Fort/Hay River Priority Data Project.

He moved back to the Menomonie area in 1994 and resided on Tainter Lake and became known as "Steamboat Jim "after building three different steam powered boats, which he operated mostly on Tainter Lake. Several years, Jim's boats lead the Fourth of July Boat Parade on Tainter Lake.

Jim custom built and shot approximately 25 muzzle loading rifles from 1969 thru 2007. He belonged to the La Crosse Muzzleloaders Club, National Muzzleloading Association, NRA, Taychopera Muzzleloaders Club, and Coon Valley Sportsmen Club. He also built a bowling ball mortar. His other hobbies were fishing, horseback riding, reading, and playing billiards.

Jim met Renee Jimison the fall of 2003; she became his loving and supporting companion. Renee introduced Jim to his new passion in life, horses, country life, and an equally strong personality. Renee supported and cared for Jim unselfishly through his failing health. She was a wonderful bright spot in Jim's life.

Jim is survived by his companion, Renee Jimison; children, Amy Jo Churchill of Copperas Cove, TX, Patrick James Carnitz of Madison, WI; sister, Marion Carnitz of Waukesha, WI; and stepson, Donald Jimison of Thief River Falls, MN; four grandsons, Christopher Patrick Carnitz, Jordan Spencer Churchill, Cody Mitchell Carnitz, and Logan Churchill; and nephew, Richard Pawlowske.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and niece, Carla Pawlowske.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 3, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Wheeler. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Smith Funeral Chapel, Eau Claire, assisted the family with arrangements.

For more information:
Please contact Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 602 Main Ave W, Wheeler, WI, at (715) 632-2530.