James G. Sarres, age 87, Retired Circuit Judge of Winnebago County, passed away peacefully at his home in the arms of his loving wife, Florence, Monday evening, February 28, 2005. He was born in Milwaukee on July 13, 1917, the son of George H. and Vasiliki (Galanis) Sarres. He attended 27th Street Elementary School in 1931, graduated from Washington High School in 1936 in Milwaukee, and graduated from Lawrence College in Appleton in 1941. In 1942, James attended Marquette Law School, but dropped out to enlist in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman 3rd Class. After attending Officer's Training School, James graduated in 1942 as Ensign Jr. Grade and later was promoted to Lt. Sr. Grade. He was engaged in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy at Juno Beach, later survived the invasion of Okinawa, where his LST Ship 534 was struck by a Japanese kamikaze plane, putting it out of commission.
In 1947 after the war, he returned to Marquette Law School, graduating in 1950. Practicing law in Oshkosh, James was appointed County Judge of Winnebago County by Governor Gaylord Nelson. Later he was elevated to the office of Circuit Judge, where he served a total of twenty years. James' expertise was in the field of Juvenile Court and Divorce Court, where his entire being was dedicated to the youth, retiring in 1982.
Throughout his life he was actively involved in many civic, political, and professional organizations. The Ahepa, 6th District Chairman of the Brotherhood of Christians & Jews, Post Commander of V.F.W. Post 1908, American Legion Post 70, AmVets Post 7, Founder and President of the Wisconsin LST Association, Co-founder and member of Noon Optimist International of Oshkosh, Elks Lodge 292, Fraternal Order of Eagles, T.P.A., Tripoli Temple of Milwaukee, Winnebago land Shrine Club, Tyrian Chapter 15, Oshkosh Commandery, Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin Lodge 27, Knights Templar, Judicial Member of the Wisconsin State Bar Association, Past-President of Wisconsin Juvenile Judges Association, Wisconsin Family Court Commissioners Association, and the National Council of Juvenile Judges Association.
On January 31, 1956 James married Florence Schulz, who was his devoted and loving wife of 49 years. Surviving James is his wife Florence; three sisters-in-law: Carole Dolan, Ione Schulz, and Teresa Schulz McGuirk; nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Preceding James in death are his parents, three brothers: Harry G., Theodore G., and Deno G. Sarres; and one sister: Eva G. Sarres.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 4, 2005 at 11:30 a.m. in Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 300 North Eagle Street, with Father Peter Pappademetriou officiating. Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Park following the services. Neighbors and friends may greet the family on Friday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Sincere thanks to Doctor Curtis Radford, Affinity Physicians, and Affinity Hospice Services for the care given to James and his family.
In lieu of flowers, friends desiring to do so may make memorials in James' memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Fond du Lac, Oshkosh Boy's & Girl's Club, or to a charity of their choice.
Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
www.seefeldfuneral.com
(920) 236-7750