James “Jim” F. Marois

James “Jim” F. Marois, 79, Oconto Falls, died in the early morning hours of Friday, September 15, 2023 in his daughter’s arms.  Jim was reunited with his true love Carol at heaven’s door.  He was born October 2, 1943 on the family farm in Stiles to Marvin and Mildred (Belanger) Marois.  Jim graduated from Oconto Falls High School and took over the family farm.

On April 26, 1974 he married the love of his life Carol Kesler.  After his body could no longer farm, Jim worked at Kmart-West in Green Bay for 20 years, then Matraver’s Hardware in Oconto until retiring from Witt’s Piggly Wiggly in Oconto Falls.  Jim had a heart of gold, he and Carol opened their home to many people over the years, especially Carol’s younger siblings, nieces and nephews.  He loved to hunt and always looked forward to hosting deer camp, even after he could no longer hunt.  He loved fishing, working his garden and just being outside.   Jim was a charter member and active in as a 3 ^rd degree Knight of Columbus in Lena and served as color guard commander of Bishop Bona’s 4 ^th degree chapter for many years.  But what meant most to Jim was his family, who loved his grandchildren who were the light of his life.

Survivors are his one daughter, Joan (fiancé Ron Tassoul) Hanson, Gillett; his special children, Jill (Dustin) Watts, Oconto Falls; Kurt (Kayla) Hujet, Manawa; Alicia (Leo) Gomber, Gillett; his grandchildren, Faith (Chazz) Hujet, Hope (Dillon) Hujet, Tyler Burmeister, Destiny Strom, Devin Strom, Carrie Gomber, Mary Grace Watts and Jonathan Watts; his special cousin, Richard Steiner, good friends, Louie (JoAnn) Tomalak and Jerry Hujet; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Roger Kesler, Denis (Barb) Kesler, Joyce School, Virginia (Harland) Wincentson, Karen (Joe) Franczek, Donald (Diane) Kelser, Robert (Lucy) Kesler, Dean (Kim) Kesler and his “body guard”, Linda Schneider, Abrams.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol in 2015, his son Bryan, a cousin John Steiner and other relatives.

Visitation will be held after 9:00 AM Thursday, September 21, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Oconto Falls until the time of service.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM at the church with the Rev. Fr. Bob Karuhn officiating.  Burial will take place a later date in St. Charles Catholic Cemetery, Lena.

The Marois family would like to thank Dr. William Wittman, Dr. Justin, Grace and Melissa from the Bellin ICU team for their compassion and support for not only Jim, but for Joanie until the very end.  In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund will be established.

Those attending are encouraged to wear Packer, Badger or Brewer’s clothing to honor Jim’s love of Wisconsin sports.