Obituary: James G. Sarkis

Door County businessman and philanthropist, James G. Sarkis, 65, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away early Sunday morning, April 1, 2018 in one of his favorite places in the world, Naples, FL.

Jim was born in Green Bay on May 28, 1952, the son of George and Rosemary (Burckle) Sarkis. Following his graduation from Premontre High School in Green Bay, Jim received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from UW-Stevens Point.

On November 2, 1991, he married his best friend, Megan Hall, at Björklunden Chapel in Baileys Harbor. His children, Adam, Carly, and Madeline, along with Megan, were his true passions in life. He wanted nothing more than to make them happy, which he did and more.

Diagnosed with cancer almost four years ago, Jim maintained throughout that he only had a cold. Jim’s positive attitude and zest for life were a part of all he did; from working tirelessly to build a successful business or to making a difference in his community through his many volunteer activities. He was Director of Sales & Marketing for the NFL Alumni Green Bay Chapter and creator of Door County Charities benefiting all of Door County for 17 years.

People may have known Jim as a hard-nose negotiator, tough business man and professional, but he was much, much, more. Jim had a depth of kindness that extended to anyone who was important to him and his loved ones. He loved nothing more than to be the go-to-guy—proud to be able to say that he ‘knew a guy’ to help in any situation.

Jim had many passions. He loved playing golf, woodworking, reading, telling stories, playing cards at Birmingham’s, and the Green Bay Packers! He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting new people, keeping in touch with his extended network and chatting with his mother daily. Most of all, he was passionate about family and was a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, and friend.

The irony of passing away on April 1st would not have escaped Jim, nor the significance of passing on Easter Sunday. His positive attitude continued to the end when two weeks ago he ordered new glasses with a two-year warranty! Jim loved driving backroads, taking the scenic routes whenever he could. His life journey was full of adventure, fun, spontaneity, and love.

Jim will live on in the hearts of his mother, Rosemary Sarkis; wife, Megan; son, Adam Sarkis of Milwaukee; daughters, Carly Sarkis (friend Ben Baranczyk) of Madison, WI; Madeline Sarkis of St. Paul, MN; pup Atticus; mother-in-law Lois Hall of Sturgeon Bay and the entire Hall family; three sisters, Carolyn (friend, Zook) Sarkis; Mary Ann (Ken) Olson, and Anne (Dean) DeNamur; and brother, David (friend, Suzanne) Sarkis.

He was preceded in death by his father, George; uncle, Robert Burckle; sisters, Kathleen, Karen, and Chrissy; father-in-law, John ‘Jack’ Hall; and his favorite walking partner, Sunny.

Jim’s life will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church. Burial will be in Bayside Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. There will be no visitation at church prior to the service on Thursday.

Memorials may be given in Jim’s memory to DOOR CANcer Inc. and the Tessa Erickson Foundation.

Special acknowledgement to our family and friends during Jim’s last week, Mimi and Gordon, Hartley and Terry, Greg Guliani, Mike and Terry, Nico (Nicolas McLaughlin), Bill and Dorian, and Mary Lou and Barbie.

Above and beyond the call of duty our heartfelt thanks to the staff, our friends, of Sarkis and Associates Realty. We have been blessed beyond words to not only have you as co-workers but much more like family. To Leifer, Tom, Amy, Sheila, Tony, Big Al, and other Al (aka Frank Sinatra!) Jim loved you from the bottom of his heart.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Jim may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.