James J. Byrnes

James J. Byrnes (88) of Green Bay, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on February 12, 2018 in Green Bay.  He was born April 13, 1929 in Chicago to John and Agnes Byrnes.  Jim married Delores Monica in Egg Harbor in 1949 and divorced in 1984.  He married Alice Hockemeyer in 1986 in Delray Beach, Florida. Jim served six plus years in the Army, in the Far East, Japan and Korea, and was a life member of the De Pere VFW Post 2113 and a member of their Honor Guard. He was employed for 30 years with RA Stearn, Inc, Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Sturgeon Bay; and until his final retirement in 2003 with Jamestown Metal Marine in Boca Raton, FL.  Jim was active in the Masonic Fraternity and served as Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin in 1982-1983. He was a member and past presiding officer of many Masonic related organizations. Jim’s hobbies included Amateur Radio WA9PFS (Ex N4NHM) and researching his family Genealogy in Illinois and Ireland.  He received dual Irish citizenship in 1993.  He spent his spare time assisting in reorganizing and enlarging the Northeast Wisconsin Masonic Library and Museum at the Green Bay Masonic Center.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents John and Agnes (Gillespie) Byrnes of Chicago and brothers John Charles Byrnes, JR. (USMC WWII Siapan) and Thomas E. Byrnes of Pleasant Grove, UT.Survivors include his wife, Alice; his extended family, Eric (Virginia) Hockemeyer of Florida, Tom (Ann Hockemeyer) Fleming, Sean and Kyle of Deerfield Beach, FL., John (Marilyn Cramer) Beattie of Greeley, CO., Scott (Amy) Beattie of Indianapolis, IN.,  Emily Cramer Hancock of Indianapolis IN. along with many nieces, nephews and cousins; two children by his previous marriage, Ed (Margie Keeene) Byrnes of Sturgeon Bay, daughter, Kathryn (Richard) Chodara of Waukesha, WI and grandson Jason Chodara.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at the NEW Masonic Center, 525 W. Taylor St., from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m.  Following the service, a sharing of memories will be held downstairs.  All are invited, we will be sharing fun, fellowship, and great memories of Jim.  Hors d'oeuvres and munchies can be enjoyed while sharing great memories.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the N.E.W. Masonic Library and Museum.

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