James E. Goetch, Jr.

Jim (James Edward) Goetch Jr. passed away with his wife and sons at his side on Sunday, April 25, 2021. 

Jim was born in Cresco, Iowa on September 1, 1955 to Dolores Diane (Dee) Goetch and James Edward Goetch Sr.

He lived in Harlan and Cresco IA, as well as Maryville MO, Wheeling IL, and Eau Claire WI, graduating from Memorial High School in 1973.  He served in the US Army, Second Armored Division stationed in Fort Hood, TX and deployed to Grafenwöhr Germany for a 6-month mission. 

After his service, Jim lived in the Chicago area and met Alisa Nelson while visiting mutual friends in Eau Claire.  Their first date was filled with laughter and the connection was immediate.  Just months later, Jim was moving to Eau Claire so they could marry in November 1978.  Jim and Alisa’s early years together were filled with such fun, including their famous bonfire parties with friends and family. 

Jim was proud of his two amazing sons, Tyrel and Aaron, named from his favorite author Louis Lamour's western novels.  The three of them had a tight bond, getting together for frisbee golf, fishing, cribbage or building a camp fire.  Jim taught his daughter-in-law, Jeaning, about the outdoors, helping her saw her first log.

"Grumpa" Jim was equally proud of his grandchildren Zoe and Thunder, He loved giving boat rides, fishing advice, tickles and a hug when ever given the chance.

Jim worked in the Eau Claire Electrical Wholesale industry his 43 years in Eau Claire. Retiring early due to his health.  He loved his time on the bowling team and frisbee golf course, projects in his garage, fishing with friends, playing cards and time at the family cabin. He was willing to lend a hand or tool to anyone in need, and was always ready with a joke, bringing smiles to everyone he met. 

Jim will be profoundly missed by many, but mostly by his partner in all, Alisa; sons, Tyrel (Jeaning) and Aaron; grandchildren, Zoe and Thunder; sister, Diane (George) Rieken; and uncle, Randy (Gigi) Bolton and many more family and friends. 

Jim's request was to allow future doctors and other medical professionals learn from him by trusting the care of his body to Mayo College of Medicine and Science in Rochester MN.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim's honor may be directed to the family to be used for a Frisbee Golf Memorial at a local course, to Chippewa County Humane Association, or a charity of your choice.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.