James J. Thomey

James J. Thomey, age 85, passed away on Christmas, December 25, 2020 with his family at his side at Aurora Medical Center, Kenosha.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Kenosha, born on August 28, 1935, he was the son of the late Leo and Susan (Schrei) Thomey. Jim was educated in the local schools, St. Mark Catholic Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, St. Catherine’s High School, and he graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School, Class of ’53. He then furthered his education on a football scholarship at the University of Miami Florida and later graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Business Administration.

During his college years, Jim proudly served his country in the United States Marines Corp Reserves.

On September 7, 1957 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Joanne Mockus. They were blessed with five children and 43 years together; sadly, Joanne passed away in 2000. On April 20, 2002, he married Roberta Shore and they have been together for 18 years.

James started working for his father’s business, Leo Thomey Plumbing, during college. These years became the building blocks of his career. Jim not only became a master plumber, but a well-respected individual in his field. By 1962, he was a journeyman plumber and was employed with various companies over the years where his knowledge and expertise grew. Those companies included, Dipietro Plumbing Services, Lakeshore Mechanical, American Motors, Zion Nuclear Power Plant, and he was also a foreman at the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant. Jim spent the last 24 years of his career as the Plumbing Inspector for the City of Kenosha as well as the Town of Somers. In addition to this, Jim taught blueprinting and drafting classes at Gateway Technical College for over 10 years. When he was not working, Jim also enjoyed farming on the 40 acres of land at his home in Somers.

As a man of strong faith, Jim gave back to his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Danish Brotherhood, St. Peter’s Church, and St. Mark’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed attending Sunday Mass every week and prayed the rosary each night before bed. In his spare time, Jim liked to work out at the Kenosha Towne Club and more recently at the Pleasant Prairie RecPlex. Jim also enjoyed golfing with friends and family as well as traveling to Florida for vacations. Everyone that knew Jim would say that he was a very positive person; his smile and laughter were contagious.

Jim will be deeply missed, by his wife, Roberta; his children, Janet Thomey, Jeanne Meyer, Jennifer Schmidt, John (Angela) Thomey and James P. (Julie Molinaro) Thomey; step children, Patricia (Joseph) Sura, Sandra (Daniel) Wade and Kathleen (Robert) Ray; grandchildren, James J. (Joanna) Meyer, Andrew Meyer, Chelsea Schmidt, Nicholas Thomey, Michael Thomey, Brayden and Hunter Molinaro; step grandchildren, Abigail Phillips, Jacqueline (Corey)Vantilburg, Stephanie Phillips, Shayna Sura, Marissa Sura and Dominique Ray; step great grandchildren, CharleyAnn Phillips-Kohlmeier, Kayle Vantilburg and Adrian Castillo. He is further survived by his siblings, Pat Valeri, Judy (Robert) Nicolazzi and Jerry (Diane) Thomey, son-in-law Augie Schmidt, sister in law, Lucille Mockus along with many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Along with his parents and first wife; Jim was preceded in death by his in laws, Peter and Louise Mockus and brothers in law, George Mockus and Clyde Valeri.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Santarelli along with the nurses and therapists at Aurora Medical Center for the wonderful care of Jim.