Donald E. (Edward) James, 99 years, 9 months, 3 days of Richland Center died on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at Schmitt Woodland Hills. Don was born at home on November 8, 1919 the 4th child (of 6) born to George and Lola (Smith) James. Don attended Rocky Branch School through 8th grade and graduated from Richland Center High School in 1937. He stayed on the home farm, operated the farm and took care of his mother in her later years. Don lived 89 years in the same house.

On August 19, 1967, Don married Betty (Gher) Stibbe and they continued to farm. They celebrated almost 41 years of marriage before her death in 2008.

Don enjoyed Sunday drives and knew all the county and township roads in Richland County as well as most roads in Southwest Wisconsin. Betty and Don enjoyed lots of vacations with her family and they took many Amtrack train trips to Western U.S. states. A lot of good times were spent with the 4 grandchildren.

In 2008, when Don could no longer walk, he moved to Schmitt Woodland Hills. His mind was active, and he enjoyed getting out for almost weekly car rides with Donna and Jerry during nice weather. He loved seeing the countryside and telling which backroads to take and making them guess where they would ‘end up.’ He kept up on weather conditions, especially from Nebraska to Wisconsin. Don loved machinery; especially John Deere tractors. For over a year, he daily watched the new part of Schmitt being built. Watching the deer, birds, snowplowing, or mowing interested him. When he could no longer turn pages, Donna read to him the daily state paper, 2 weekly papers and magazines, with Don commenting on most articles. He always wanted to know what his grandkids and great-grandkids were doing.

Don is survived by Betty’s daughter, Donna (Jerry) Sims and her son Fritz (Sue) Stibbe all of Richland Center; four grandchildren: Sheila (Bruce) McCauley of Bellevue, Nebraska, Shai (Christopher) Brown of Tomah, WI, Ty Lacey (Josh) Hines of Livingston, WI and David (Kelly) Stibbe of Richland Center; as well as nine great-grandchildren: Colten (Lauren) McCauley, Springfield McCauley, Elijah and Zekiel Brown, Isaiah and Zion Hines, Brody and Owen Stibbe and Molly; sister Emily Fish of Richland Center; many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Venna (Paul) Comar, Phyllis (Clinton) Mullendore, brothers Raymond (Jean) James, Albion ‘Fuzz’ (Louise) James, granddaughter Michelle Knoble Wilson and great-grandson Remington McCauley.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 23, 2019 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel. Reverend Ty Sims Hines will officiate with burial to follow in the Richland Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 2019 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 8:30 AM until the time of the service at 10:00 AM. The family suggests memorials be made to Schmitt Woodland Hills or Ash Creek United Methodist Church in memory of Don. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements. Online condolences may be made at prattfuneralservice.com.

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