James Root, age 84, passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. in Fitchburg. He was born on May 15, 1933 in the Town of Montrose to Wyman and Margaret (Fritz) Root. Jim graduated from Belleville High School in 1951 and then entered into the U.S. Army in 1953 where he served in Korea. On October 1, 1955 he was united in marriage to Joan Bavery. Jim drove a milk truck for many years first as a bulk hauler from farms to the plant and then later delivering milk to homes, schools, and stores for Bowman Dairy. He later started and owned Belleville Small Engines. Jim was a member of the First United Church of Christ, the Belleville Community Club, the Duppler-Smith American Legion Post #460, and the Belleville Sno-Cats. He helped organize a horseshoe league in Belleville and served on the Lake Committee from start to finish. In May of 2014 Jim flew to Washington D.C. as part of the Badger Honor Flight. He enjoyed many special trips, boating on the Sugar River, playing horseshoes, and attending his grandchildren's activities.

Jim is survived by his wife Joan, daughters Kim (Rodger) Goke, Kathy (Ron) Stenseth, Karen (Steve) Meier, and Pamela (Don) Solberg, nine grandchildren Stephanie, Robert, Jeffrey, Matthew, Daniel, Amy, Paul, Carly, and David, and four great-grandchildren Raegan, Tanner, Arthur, and Elizabeth. He is further survived by his sisters Marge Pellizzi and Donna Dolohanty, sisters-in-law Dolores Johnson and Ruth (Ken) Flanagan, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Barbara Bavery Blum, Elmer Bavery and Roy Blum, sister Virginia Brewer, and brothers-in-law Leland Brewer, James Pellizzi, Jack Dolohanty, and Clayton Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the First United Church of Christ, 130 E. Church St., Belleville, WI with the Rev. Kenneth L. Schaub officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in the Belleville Cemetery.

A visitation will precede the funeral service on Saturday, December 30, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the staffs at St. Mary's Care Center for this past year and Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. for their support and compassion.

A memorial fund will be established.