James Walter Goff Sr.

James "Jim" Walter Goff Sr., age 81

In the early morning hours of April 3, Jim Goff left this earth from the hospice bed in his home and, absent from the body, he was present with the Lord Jesus Christ. He was born on July 16, 1934 in the home of his parents, Herbert and Grace Goff, on Highway 40 outside of Bruce, WI. In that small home, ten children were raised--Aileen, Dick, Ted, Vanese, Jeanne, Betty, Peggy, Jim, Kay, and Fred. It was here that Jim learned love of family, hunting, fishing, trapping, sports, gardening, and a keen interest in history, particularly the Civil War. He graduated from Bruce High School in 1952. Jim then moved to Chicago and trained as a sheet metal mechanic, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Betty Cauhorn, whom he married in 1954. Two sons and a daughter were born to them in IL, and eventually the family headed back to live in the Bruce area. The Goffs moved to Minocqua, WI in 1999. He was a faithful husband and a loving father, leading and supporting his family with his hard work and his quiet but steadfast presence. He is survived by Betty, his wife of 61 years, and their children: Jim, Jr. (Carolyn) of Willow Springs, MO; Michael (Lisa) of Lac du Flambeau; and Patti (Rick Ensenbach) of Bruce. He was blessed with seven surviving grandchildren and their spouses who love him dearly: Dan (Nicole), Chris (Thanna), Sarah, Andy, Caleb (Sarah), Deanna (Cody Pulley), and Katlyn. He was the proud great grandfather of Kaden, Kena, Jossilyn, and Nicole. Mr. Goff was preceded in death by his parents and all siblings but for his sister Kay of Sun City, AZ, and brother-in-law Bill Figura of Cameron, WI. The Goff family suffered the loss of their grandson Ryan in 2006. In 1958 Jim was saved when he believed the Gospel, that Jesus Christ died for his sins, was buried and was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. Just days before his death, he attested to that as the best day of his life, and because of his rebirth, he was able to know for certain that he would have eternal life--his heart had turned to the Lord. The family would be grateful if memorial gifts would be sent to Dr. Kate Hospice at PO Box 770, Woodruff, WI 54568.