James Edward Greene, 90, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born on June 11, 1936, in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Joseph Greene and Dorothy (Oswald) Greene-Kozelka. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in March 1956, during the Korean War era, where he served as a heavy equipment operator.
On Sept. 10, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, Sandra Ziegler, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Eastman. Together they began their married life in Janesville, where Jim worked at Fisher Body and Sandra at Parker Pen. They later returned to their roots in Lynxville, WI, where they welcomed their first two children.
In 1964, after Jim accepted a position as a custodian with the Seneca School District, the family moved to Seneca, where they completed their family with two more children and built a lifetime of memories. In 1973, Jim accepted a temporary position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lock & Dam No. 9 in Lynxville. What began as a temporary opportunity grew into a lifelong career. He retired in 2003 as Lockmaster at Lock & Dam No. 8 after many years of dedicated service.
Jim went into business with his son Jay and daughter-in-law Lisa at Greener’s Corner in Seneca. Jim devoted countless hours to serving Seneca. He wore many hats throughout the community, always willing to lend a helping hand. He proudly served on the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department for many years, including as Fire Chief. He was an active member and past president of the Seneca Lions Club, served as the Seneca waterworks operator, coordinated the Seneca Sanitary District, and volunteered his time on numerous clubs, committees, and community projects.
A dedicated supporter of the Seneca School District, Jim rarely missed an extracurricular event. Whether cheering from the stands or enthusiastically making his presence known, he was always there encouraging his children, grandchildren, and the students of the community. He was especially proud to be one of the charter members of the Seneca Education Foundation and spent many years coaching Little League. He was also a member of Seneca Wings & Racks.
Guided by his strong faith, Jim was an active member of St. Patrick Parish in Seneca. Above all else, Jim’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family. He shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with Sandra before her passing. Together they cherished time spent at the family farm and cabin, where countless memories were made. Jim loved hunting and fishing, traditions he eagerly shared with his children and grandchildren.
He enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre with family and friends through the neighborhood card club. When he wasn’t outdoors or spending time with family, he could often be found cheering on the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers.
Jim is lovingly survived by his children: Kim.(Jeff) Redman of Seneca, WI; Jay (Lisa) Greene of Gays Mills, WI; Karen (Dean) Kosloske of Deerfield, WI; and Jamie (Tracy) Greene of Seneca, WI; he is also survived by his grandchildren: Garrett (Megan), Justin (Madeline), and Taylor Redman; Ashley and Nicole Greene; Gavin (Jerica), Makenna, and Ella Greene; step-grandchildren Cody (Morgan) and Austin (Andrea) Martin; and his great grandchildren, Maya, Graham, Brooks, and Calvin Redman; Jetson, Jasper and Juniper Greene; and step great grandchildren, Brady, Tatum, Chloe, and River Martin. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra; his parents; and his siblings.
Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seneca, Fr. Thomas Huff officiating with interment in the Dickson Ridge Cemetery in Lynxville. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday, July 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. and also at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Military Honors will be accorded graveside.
Jim’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Creamery Creek in Viroqua and St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care, kindness and dignity they provided during the last year and a half of his life. Jim’s legacy is one of Service generosity, faith, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His life touched countless people and his example of hard work, kindness and community spirit will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. www.garrityfuneralhome.com
