James G. Belongia, 70, of the town of Barton, passed away on Friday March 9, 2012 at the Cedar Lake Health & Rehabilitation Center in the Town of West Bend.

James was born on Aug. 25, 1941 in Clark County to the late Fred and Clara (DeGrande) Belongia. In 1944, he and his family moved to West Bend. James graduated from West Bend High School in the class of 1959. He went on to attend Platteville State University graduating with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in teaching, specializing in agriculture, shop and auto Mechanics. He served two years in the International Volunteer Service in Laos. James taught auto mechanics, agriculture and shop classes in Spring Green and later in Wautoma, before retiring at a young age to pursue a hobby of working with wood.

In 1977, he came back to live in West Bend. James enjoyed building and remodeling houses, but his real love was designing and building wooden items for family and friends and carving figurines.

He is survived by four sisters, Sr. Catherine Belongia of Denville, N.J., Sr. Patricia Belongia of Stanley, Roseann Beranek of Milladore, and Veronica (Darrell) Davidson of Neshkoro; three brothers, Emerson Belongia of West Bend, Alden (Donna) Belongia of West Bend, and Matthew (Kathleen) Belongia of Willow Springs, Mo.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
 
James was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Myron and Clayton; and a brother-in-law, James Beranek.

A memorial service in remembrance of James will be held on Sunday March 18 at 11 a.m. at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend with a reception to follow. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorials to a charity of your choice are appreciated by the family.

Online guestbook and condolences may be found at www.myrhumpatten.com.