James B. Bricco

Jim Bricco completed his circle of life on January 26 under hospice care at home with his family and pets by his side.He was hospitalized for a stroke on each side of the brain. He fought hard for 19 days to meet his goal of being able to see the joy of his life, Alec, graduate from high school. He regained walking, talking, beating Alec in cribbage and making it to rehab. We were rejoicing! Unfortunately, he was not able to get his swallowing back and developed pneumonia. We are grateful for the additional time to see his fighting spirit, to talk, laugh, here his stories, celebrate his life, see him flirting with the nurses, call and visit with friends and family, and share lots of I love yous. We are grateful for the extra time to enjoy our beautiful blue eyed Jim.
Jim lived and loved BIG to the very end. He always gave life all he had.

Jim was orphaned as a young boy along with his brother Bob Bricco, Eugene(Fibber), Bricco and twin sisters Kathleen (Esker)and Bernadine (Kiedrowski). After his parents passed he lived with an aunt and uncle and cousins Bette (Fieock)and Joann (Sanborn) in Marshfield.

Jim was an outstanding high school athlete lettering in Football, Basketball, and Track. He always regretted not being able to play baseball because of farm chores. Jim received an athletic scholarship for football to UW Madison. He also played college football at UWStout and at Western State in Colorado. He liked to tell stories of how much fun college was and all the adventures he had. Going to the library to study was not on that list.

Jim worked at Fischer Body in Janesville, lived in the fast lane, and then enlisted in the Army-18th Airborne Corps Ft Bragg. He was a clerk typist, but his main job was playing football for the Army and jumping out of planes and choppers. He shared lots of stories about all the fun and trouble he got into. Apparently he spent the most time on KP of anyone in his unit. Jim was always wild and adventurous and the life of the party.

Jim loved bowling, hunting, fishing, golfing, boating, traveling, Packer games, Vegas, the racetrack, cooking and entertaining friends and being at the cottage by the fire. He was such a fun person to be around.

Jim served on the Neenah police department for 30 years earning rank of Lieutenant.

He and brother Bob built and ran Bricco's Beverage stores for many years in Neenah. He loved any new challenge and being with people.

Jim’s passion was building. His building skills are evident in the many homes, businesses, hospitals, remodels and additions in Neenah and throughout the state. He was always happiest with a hammer and saw. Jim was always the first to volunteer to help people.

Jim treasured time with family-daughter Rhonda Lee and son Keith. He loved spending time with nieces and nephews, especially time and phone calls from Kip. He had a large circle of friends who brought much joy to his life.

He married Rhonda D in 1989 and had 33 crazy,fun ,and adventurous times together. ( Most people gave them a week HA!) Together they cherished raising their son Alec. Jim was a wonderful husband and father. He loved his pets, Maple, Charlie and Dickens.

Jim’s spoken wish was to have any memorials go to his son Alec Bricco to be used for college. He said it would be the last and everlasting gift he gave him. He always told Alec to study hard and get a good education.

We hope you can join us in celebrating the circle of life Jim shared with us. Services will be held at Lord of the Lakes in Winneconne on Saturday February 5th. Visitation 1-2 funeral at 2 followed by military honors and a time to share stories.