James Thomas Patenaude

James "Jim" Thomas Patenaude, age 85, of Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 6, 2026.

Born in Little Suamico, Wisconsin, on August 9, 1940, to the late Edmond and Norine (Hermans) Patenaude, Jim was raised on a farm in Lena, Wisconsin and was a graduate of the Lena High School Class of 1958. Throughout his life, Jim lived in Milwaukee and Marinette before settling in Oconto Falls in 1973, where he built a life defined by hard work, public service, and deep roots in the community.

Jim dedicated much of his life to serving others. He began his career in law enforcement as a police officer in Marinette before serving as the Chief of Police in Oconto Falls. For two decades, Jim and his wife, Judy, welcomed neighbors and travelers alike as the owners of Patenaude's Colonial Inn, where his warm hospitality, easygoing conversation, and quick sense of humor created countless fond memories and lifelong friendships. He spent over 20 years delivering mail for the USPS as a rural mail carrier and later served as the Oconto Falls Municipal Judge for two decades until his retirement in 2024.

A quintessential people person who could strike up a conversation with anyone, Jim was also deeply committed to civic life. He was an active member of the Oconto Falls Lions Club, serving terms as both President and Treasurer. In his free time, he loved playing cards, spending days golfing at River Island, and sharing a good laugh with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Patenaude, whom he spent the last 21 years together; his children, Kevin (Kristen) Patenaude, Julie (Mike) Carroll, and Butch (JoLinda) Patenaude; son-in-law, Louis Kasper; step-children, William "Billy" (Doreen) Swiekatowski, Mary (Scott) Schnobrich, and James (Janice) Swiekatowski; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Edmund Patenaude, Robert "Bob" (Beverly) Patenaude, and Richard "Dick" Patenaude; sister, Carol Goldschmidt; along with extended family and a community of dear friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Patenaude, with whom he shared 43 years until her passing; daughter, Jamie Kasper; sister, Betty Patenaude; brother, Donald Patenaude; brother-in-law, Kenneth Goldschmidt; and sisters-in-law, Joyce Patenaude and Angie Patenaude.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM Monday, August 10, 2026 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. A prayer service will take place at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue after 9:30 AM Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, until the time of service. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday at the church with Father Tom Pomeroy officiating. Burial will take place in St. Anthony Cemetery in Oconto Falls.

A special thank you to the nursing staff of the 6th floor ICU at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.