One of the good ones, James "Jim" J. Kies, age 54, of Winneconne, passed away unexpectedly following an accident in Hawaii on a trip to celebrate his 27th anniversary with his wife, and sister and brother-in-law on Saturday, March 19, 2022.  Jim was born on August 20, 1967, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Jerome and Ann (Wilmot) Kies.  On March 18, 1995, Jim married his love Carrie Norton in Homer Glen, Illinois.  Jim was highly active in his community; he served on multiple boards and participated in countless activities throughout Winneconne. He was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Winneconne. A passion of his involved the parks in Winneconne as he loved fishing and watching his kids grow up in the village. He was currently working at Forberg Smith as a Process Automation Salesman.

He loved spending time with his family and his amazing group of friends, who never failed to put a smile on his face. Saint James always knew when somebody needed a random funny meme, a cute video, a comforting hug, a classic movie quote, or a text to just check in. Jim enjoyed being outdoors: hunting, fishing, and boating. More specifically, he loved to run bank-pole lines to catch big ol' flathead catfish! He also loved gardening, in which he took his harvest and turned it into delicious salsa and his famous canned peppers. He took pride in making his chicken dumpling soup and chili for anybody who was feeling under the weather or just needed a pick-me-up. No matter who you were or where you came from, Jim treated you as one of his own, whether that's a best friend, son, daughter, or companion.

Jim is survived by his wife of 27 years, Carrie; their two daughters, Riley and Morgan; his furry companion, Ivy; his father, Jerome "Jerry" Kies; his brother, Bill (Donna) Kies and their children, Alissa and Heather; his sister, Marcia (Kevin) Lisney and their children, Dani (Dan) McMillan and son Ryker; Taylor and Marty (Missy) Lisney; his sister-in-law, Becky (Tom) Jensen and their children, Colin and Trenton; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tim and Pat Norton; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Marie Kies; and his nephew, Chad Allen Kies.

A visitation forfamily and friends will be on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until noon at St. Mary Catholic Church 210 Pleasant Dr. Winneconne. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 14 at Noon at the church. Interment will follow in the Winneconne Cemetery. Following the interment there will be a Fiesta at Woodeye's Bar & Grill 700 W. Main St. Winneconne. Please celebrate by wearing bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jim to the Winneconne parks. Jim was very passionate about the waterways, fishing accessibility, and providing a safe, family-friendly atmosphere in the village parks. Please make donations in Jim's name to the Village of Winneconne, P.O. Box 488 Winneconne WI 54986. Any questions, call 920-582-4381.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.