Obituaries

James J. Bires, 64, lost a 3 year battle with melanoma, on October 16, 2022, in Jacksonville, FL. His courage, positive attitude, and deep faith were a great help to him during this difficult time.

Jim was born to Joe & Nancy Bires on March 5, 1958 in Madison. He and his sisters, Mary Pat & Jane, were raised in Nakoma. Later, the family moved to Fitchburg, where he graduated from Oregon H. S. in 1976. In 1980, Jim obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, with distinction, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and began work for the Johnson Wax Company in Racine. After a few years, he returned to pursue a Master’s Degree, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1987, with a degree in Business Administration, an emphasis on Marketing. He then began a career with the Hewlett-Packard Co., living in New Hampshire, Idaho and Washington State. He eventually became Marketing Manager for the company’s Asian division. He traveled extensively in Japan, China and Malaysia, developing a life-long affinity for the Japanese, their art and culture.

After taking an early retirement, Jim moved back to Wisconsin, then later, to Dallas, and eventually to Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton.

Jim was a talented amateur photographer, specializing in scenic photography. He was never happier than when outdoors, enjoying the beauty of nature.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph (2003) and Nancy (2019).

He is survived by his loving sisters, Mary Pat (Bill) Wilkinson, Jane Jiumaleh, nieces Miranda & Hayley, nephew Adam, and two great-nephews.

A funeral Mass was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madison, on October 21st. Afterwards, he was laid to rest at the Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum in Madison.

In Jim’s memory, you may wish to make a donation to help those in need in your community, or to donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.