James M. 'Jim' Mcgarigle

James “Jim” M. McGarigle of Wausau, Wisconsin passed into eternal life on January 31, 2020 following a 3-year battle with cancer. He was 54. Jim was born January 21, 1966 to Bruce and Karen (Johnson) McGarigle in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from Wauwatosa West High School in 1984. Jim married the love of his life Kristine (Jensen) in 1989 and together they embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Together they shared a love of being with family and friends, good food and conversation, and day trips to parks and garden across the state. Jim was a stay-at-home dad. He loved his family, and would frequently tell stories showing how proud he was of his four children. He enjoyed going to rock concerts even as he battled cancer. He loved watching movies with his kids, especially black-and-white classic horror movies. Jim’s favorite pastime was meeting and talking with people, and he had friends across the country and around the world. For years Jim was a very active member of the Lincoln County Republican Party. His faith as a Christian truly was the most important aspect of his life, and this was the topic of many late-night conversations over beer or coffee. Jim was a life-long scholar. He earned his Associate’s Degree from Bethany Lutheran College, his Bachelor’s Degree from Minnesota State University Mankato, his Master’s Degree from Faith Evangelical Seminary, and his Masters of Sacred Theology from The Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT). He also taught classes through distance education with ILT. He was enrolled in his doctoral program when the effects of the cancer and treatment brought that dream to an end. Jim will be greatly missed by his wife Kristine, their four children: Jackie, Jenny, Jasmine and Colin, his mother Karen McGarigle, his sister Kristin (Jon) Allegrezza, and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Bruce and his grandparents. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020 at St. John Lutheran Church, 1104 E. 3rd St in Merrill WI beginning at 9:00 a.m. The funeral service for Jim will be held at 12:00 p.m., noon. A luncheon will follow. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. The family is especially grateful for care provided by Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Wausau Manor and Heartland Hospice. Memorials may be made in Jim’s name to the Institute of Lutheran Theology in Brookings, South Dakota, or Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School of Mosinee, WI. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com