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This Book of Memories memorial website is designed to be a permanent tribute paying tribute to the life and memory of James Held. It allows family and friends a place to re-visit, interact with each other, share and enhance this tribute for future generations. We are both pleased and proud to provide the Book of Memories to the families of our community.

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Obituary for James A. Held

James “Jim” Anthony Held, 59, of Sun Prairie, Wis., passed away suddenly on October 4, 2017. Jim grew up in South Milwaukee and was the beloved high school sweetheart and husband of Sharon for 28 amazing years; cherished son of Edith and brother of Judith, both of South Milwaukee; son-in-law of Lorraine; brother-in-law of Linda and Rick; “crazy” uncle of Martin, Sam and Zach. Further survived by many other relatives, friends and colleagues.

Jim was a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee biology graduate and a retired aquaculture outreach specialist for the UW-Extension. Previously, he was a researcher with the UW-Madison Aquaculture Research Program, working in Lake Mills. Jim was a member of the Wisconsin Aquaculture Industry Advisory Council, the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association Research and Education Committee, North Central Regional Aquaculture Center Technical Committee and Board member. He was a speaker at well over 40 aquaculture workshops and state aquaculture conferences, farms and schools, where he advised on technical issues and provided education.

Jim was also an accomplished mandolinist and guitarist and a member of the Sacred Hearts Folk Choir in Sun Prairie, and sang first tenor with the Madison Symphony Chorus. He loved most music, enjoyed family history, woodworking, “creating” in the kitchen, antiques, the Packers, NASCAR, and reading. Jim was a rabid fisherman and coveted his time in Wisconsin’s North Woods. A unique person with a generous heart, Jim had a wicked sense of humor with a rapier delivery. This Earth will never be the same. Nor will heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 227 Columbus St., Sun Prairie, Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt will preside. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church. Burial will be in Sacred Hearts Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sunshine Place, 18 Rickel Rd., Sun Prairie, WI 53590 (tax deductible) or the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association, PO Box 175, New London, WI 54961, memo to Jim Held Aquaculture Education Fund (not tax deductible). The family greatly appreciates your love, kindness and prayers.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James A. Held, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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