Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 60 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
James Blom
James Gilman Blom, 71, of Fairchild, WI passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems Eau Claire. Jim met his heavenly father surrounded by his family.
Jim was born in Black River Falls, WI, the son of Gilman and Theo (Dignin) Blom. He graduated from Osseo-Fairchild High School in 1962, and promptly entered into service with the United States Marine Corp. Jim faithfully served his country for 8 years, including a tour in Vietnam. While stationed at MCRD Parris Island, South Caroline, Jim met his bride, Private Karen Lee Eaton. The two were married on June 12, 1965.
Jim was a hardworking man and throughout the years, provided for his family through his military service, ownership of Bloom’s Tavern, construction work with Jensen Siding & Construction, and as the Finance Manager for Gunderson Chevrolet for 30 years. He had been “retired” for 4 years, and enjoyed cutting wood, farming with his lifelong buddy, Mike Laffe, fishing, keeping his many beautiful flowerbeds, and hanging out with his kids and grandkids. Jim & Karen had been able to enjoy wonderful trip the west coast in recent years, both enjoying the visits with family along the way, the beautiful scenery, and putting their feet in the ocean.
Through the way he lived his life, Jim taught his children the importance of faith, love, hard work, service to country, and integrity. He was proud of each of his children and grandchildren, supporting every endeavor they pursued and providing advice when requested. He made sure that he was at every ball game, cross-country meet & concert, and his grandkids knew that Grandpa was their #1 fan.
Anyone who crossed Jim’s threshold were made welcome – from the moment Jim asked “can I get you a cup of coffee?” they felt like family. Jim never met a stranger. He enjoyed so much getting together with friends & neighbors, meeting multiple times a week to hang out with friends and neighbors.
Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen, one son, James (Heather) Blom, Jr. of Drummond, MT, and three daughters, Pamela (Jason) Graham, Osseo, WI, Tamara Blom, Fairchild, WI and Melissa (Randy) Gunderson, Fairchild; WI, his sister and brother in-law, Joy & Bernard Sieg of Humbird, WI, mother-in-law Aleene Eaton of Pittsburg, MO, brothers- and sisters-in-law, Richard & Darlene Eaton of Holt, MO and Robert & Sharon Richard of Underwood, IA. Jim is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, Amanda (Joseph) Cassidy, Kara (Chris) Santucci, Sydney (Armando) Inonencio, Wayne “Buddy” (Chelsea) McCune, Jacob (Brianna Lewallan) Featherly, Mollie Graham, Taylor Gunderson, Frankee Drummer, Maddan Graham & Reagan Blom; and 3 great-grandchildren, Owen & Evelyn Cassidy and Mya McCune. Jim is also survived by his nieces & nephews, Jill (Virgil) Newell, Jeff (Dottie) Sieg, Chris (Michelle) Richard, Katy (Scott) Nye, Tim (Christina) Richard, Justin Eaton & Jessica (Tadd) Griffin. He is also survived by his Aunts Betty Austin & Donna Dignin, and many cousins.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Keith Eaton, a niece & nephew, and beloved aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home, with burial on Tuesday in the Northern Wisconsin Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.
