JAMES C. BREITUNG, SR., age 80, of Neillsville, WI, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Friday, April 30, 2021.  Per Jim’s request, no services will be held at this time.

     James Carl Breitung was born on January 11, 1941, in New London, WI, to the late Kenneth E. and Iva M. (Kilgas) Breitung.  James was raised and received his education in the New London area, graduating from New London High School in 1960.  He later attended North West Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, MN.  He lived and worked in Neillsville, where he met and married Nancy Jean Smith on June 6, 1962 at the United Methodist Church in Neillsville.  After their marriage, they resided in Ellsworth, KS, returning to Neillsville in 1966.  James worked in the Laboratory and X-ray Departments at Memorial Medical Center, later assuming Laboratory Supervisor until his retirement in 2003.  He then enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Lac La Belle, MI, fishing, reading, mushroom picking, and spending time with his family.

     He is survived by 2 sons: James Jr. of Neillsville, Scott (Joni) of Merrillan, WI; one daughter: Kathy (Will) Statz of Neillsville; 6 grandchildren: Ashley (Nick) Klimpke, Eric (Whitney) Statz, Amy and Connor Breitung, Bailie Bautch-Breitung, and Dakota Breitung;  3 great-grandchildren: Kenzie, Kaid, and Maxtyn; one sister: Marjorie Rusch of Tucson AZ; one daughter-in-law: Traci Breitung of Loyal, WI; one niece, one nephew; special friend: Tena Winkler of Green Bay, WI; in-laws and friends.

     James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy, on November 28, 2018; and one brother, Kenneth Breitung.