James J. Mcintyre

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James J. McIntyre (“Jim”) of Wausau, Wisconsin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who departed this world on December 21, 2023. Jim faced his final moments surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Born on October 2, 1957 in Los Angeles, California, to Majella (née Ryan) and Sean McIntyre, Jim lived a life marked by unwavering love and dedication to his family. He was a devoted husband for 36 years, standing side by side with his soulmate, Hilary (née Thamann), through the highs and lows of life. Their enduring love has served as an inspiration to their children and others who know them.

Jim was the proud father of seven children: Sean (34), Brittany (32), Maggie (30), Claire (27), Conor (24), Abenet (19), and James (14). He approached fatherhood with the perfect blend of wisdom, kindness, patience, and humor, and created a home filled with warmth, love, and laughter. Jim cherished family gatherings, creating countless enduring memories at home, on vacations, and “Up North.” At his happiest, he could be found grilling for his family on his Big Green Egg, giving tractor rides to his grandkids, or trying to flip his kids’ (or their friends’) intertubes on Flambeau Lake.

Jim also made a lasting impact on Wausau through his shrewd business acumen and active community involvement. He was known for his servant leadership at Wausau Insurance, Capitol Indemnity Corporation, and Greenheck Fan Corporation. Despite his busy work and home life, he made it a priority to volunteer his time to organizations that benefit the Wausau community, including by serving on the boards of the United Way of Marathon County, the Samoset Council - Boy Scouts of America, YMCA Foundation, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse, and the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, just to name a few. The pinnacle of his career was leading the Greenheck Fan Corporation as its CEO from 2011-2022.

Jim is survived by his wife Hilary, his seven children, sons-in-law Drake and Eric, daughter-in-law Maura, grandson Rohan, granddaughters Maya and Cora, sisters Kathleen and Ellen, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother Pat, and his brother-in-law Walt.

Jim was a man of devout faith, and he believed strongly in the promise of Heaven. Although we are devastated that he is no longer with us, we find solace knowing he is reunited with his parents, brother, and brother-in-law in Heaven.

We would like to extend our profound gratitude to Dr. Uhm of the Mayo Clinic Rochester, Dr. Peterson of Aspirus Cancer Center, and Carla and her colleagues at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

We are very proud of Jim. He always did the right thing, without fail. A video tribute to Jim set to the tune of his favorite musician (Jackson Browne) and one of his favorite songs (What a Wonderful World) can be viewed online here: Jim McIntyre Memorial.mov . (The video is best viewed on a computer—it works on mobile phones through trial and error.)

The funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.  Visitation will be Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service all at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brain Tumor Network ( https://www.braintumornetwork.org/ ) or the Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights ( https://cahr.fsu.edu/ ).