Charles “Charlie” V. James Obituary

Peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 31, 2023, at the age of 91, after a life filled with love, laughter, and service to others. He was a man devoted to his family, his faith, his career, and his community.

In 1931 Charlie was born and raised in Fox Point, WI, the second of four sons, by his parents Charles and Grace James. He attended Milwaukee Country Day School, The Hill School in Pottstown, PA, and graduated from U.W. Madison in 1954. Charlie proudly carried on the family legacy in the insurance business in Milwaukee, in which he enjoyed a long, fulfilling career for over 60 years.

He first served as Vice President of Northwestern National Insurance Co. from 1954 to 1965. In 1965 Charlie ventured out on his own, establishing the Charles V James Agency, and in 1987 he purchased Fitzgerald, Clayton, James, and Kasten (FCJK).

Charlie was a man who was deeply committed to things that mattered most to him, and constantly strived to better the community and the lives of the people in it. He led by example and lived his life devoted to service, leadership, and philanthropy.

Especially dear to his heart was the Milwaukee Boys and Girls Club. He was past president and trustee of the Milwaukee Boys and Girls Club for over 60 years, and was co-chair of the Presidents Society and Director of Camp Whitcomb-Mason. In 2019 he was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. He served on the board and was past president of the University School of Milwaukee, The Milwaukee Club, and 1000 Friends of Wisconsin. He was past chairman of the NN Foundation, and Trustee Emeritus of The Nature Conservancy. His love of animals led him to serve on the board of the Wisconsin Humane Society for decades where he was recognized for his leadership and philanthropy. He served on the board of the Friends of the Museum, Fox Point Foundation, Riveredge Nature Center, Village of Fox Point, Fox Point Lutheran Church, The Town Club, The Hillsboro Club, The Coleman Lake Club, and was a member of The Milwaukee Country Club, and Emmanuel Presbyterian Church. He took great pride in his 65-year membership in the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, attending his last meeting 10 days before his death.

Charlie loved relaxing at his cabin in the Northwoods. He loved fishing, hunting, and being in nature, and shared these joys with his children and grandchildren. He was a great tennis player, golfer and loved swimming in his later life. A part owner of the Milwaukee Brewers for many years, he was one of their most avid fans.

Charlie was humble and kind. He will always be remembered for his warm, friendly smile, and his compassion for others. He was the best joke teller and understood how important it was to laugh every day. Charlie taught his children and grandchildren that family was truly the most important part of life. He was their ‘superman’, and they looked up to him as their role model.

Charlie is now reunited with the love of his life, Carol Fillhouer James, who passed away in September 2020, after 69 years of marriage. Charlie is survived by his three loving children, Wendy (George) Daggett, Susan “Sukie” (Benjamin) Moore, and Todd (Kim) James. He is the proud grandfather of 10 adoring grandchildren, Lindsey, Charlie, Allison, Sarah, Katie, Chelsea, Molly, Kelsey, Charlie, and Sally, and 16 cherished great-grandchildren. Predeceased by brothers, Alfred and David and survived by his brother Douglas James. Further survived by other loving relatives and many dear friends.

A service honoring Charlie’s life will take place on Thursday, October 19, at 3:00PM, at Fox Point Lutheran Church, 7510 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Fox Point, WI 53217. A reception will immediately follow. Private family interment will take place at Forest Home Cemetery.

The James family would like to thank The Key; and in particular Kim, Gina, Cindy and Teka, for their loving care and support. A special thank you also to Rodney, his driver for many years and good friend.

Memorials in Charlie’s name may be made to The Milwaukee Boys and Girls Club or The Wisconsin Humane Society.