James Howard Doornink, 79, passed away on April 21, 2024, at Comforts of Home in Hudson, WI, with family by his side. He was born on August 21, 1944, to John Henry and Margaret (Graham) Doornink in Baldwin, WI, and attended elementary and high school there. Jim was very active in the local 4-H club and won many awards showing cattle at the local, district and state levels, and enjoyed working on the family dairy farm.

After high school, Jim attended UW-Stout in Menomonie for one year and then transferred to UW-Madison to pursue a degree in Agriculture, as he always planned to go back to work on the farm. He then met a girl, Marilyn Martell from Kenosha, who had also transferred there that fall. They started dating and were married on August 20, 1966. They were blessed with a daughter and a son in the years to come.

Jim loved the Jon-De family farm as much as he loved driving a tractor. Whether plowing or planting a field, packing silage in the bunker silos or giving his grandchildren a ride with him, one of his favorite places was sitting on the seat behind the wheel of a tractor. Jim was also good at fixing anything that was in need of repair. He could handle a grease gun and fix a broken piece of equipment like a professional.

A life-long member of First Reformed Church in Baldwin, Jim served as a deacon and elder many times throughout the years, and was also a Gideon. His faith in God was very important to him. Jim and Marilyn had the privilege and experience of sharing the love of Jesus while on two mission trips to Malawi and Mozambique and also on at least six trips to Haiti, which were life-changing to them. They were also able to take part in mission trips to southern Texas a few times.

Vacation trips with great memories were to Costa Rica, Arizona, Florida and a special trip to Alaska to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Also special to Jim were the many trips made to the east side of the state through the years to visit grandchildren, watch their activities and spend time with them.

Jim was a “man of few words”, but had a kind, gentle and generous heart.

We know that Jesus has greeted our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend with open arms saying “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 KJV

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marilyn; children, Jill (Patrick) and Mark (Joanne); grandchildren, Turner (Jade), Jaden (Greta), Sarah (Derek), Keenan (fiancée Savannah), Tessa, Anna, Isaac, Grace, Rebekah, Elijah, Noah, Rachel, and Jonathan; great-grandchildren, JP, Cal, Linnea and Josie; and siblings, John (Maria) Doornink, Dean (June) Doornink and Mona (Frank) Gregg.

He was preceded in death by parents John and Margaret, and sister-in-law Melitta Doornink.

Arrangements are being handled by the O’Connell Family Funeral Homes. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1st, with the service starting at 11:00 at the First Reformed Church in Baldwin, WI.