James “Jim” W. Craney
James William Craney, age 79, was born to William and Ella (Wilson) Craney on January 13, 1943. He married Sharon A. Royston on August 19, 1967 and their son Douglas joined them in 1969. Jim passed away at home on October 21, 2022 with Sharon and Doug at his side.
Jim graduated from Mazomanie High School in 1961 and went to work for the University of Wisconsin Physical Plant in 1962 as a painter. In time he was promoted to supervisor of that department and remained in that capacity until his retirement from full-time work in 1998. He continued part-time employment with the Physical Plant working on special projects until 2004. During retirement he was frequently found working for David and Joy Royston in various capacities at Just A Game in Wisconsin Dells.
In 1963 Jim enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, serving with the 467th Medical Detachment for 28 years and retiring as a Sergeant First Class. For meritorious service to his unit he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, First Oak Leaf Cluster. In 1990 the 467th Medical Detachment was called to active duty in Operation Desert Storm and Jim was stationed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia until the unit was returned to the States in 1991.
During Jim’s career at the UW Physical Plant he served on the boards of the UW Employee’s Credit Union and the Mutual Service Life Insurance Company. He also served as a member of the board of directors of The Peoples State Bank of Mazomanie, later The Peoples Community Bank, from 1997-2015.
A lifelong resident of Mazomanie, Jim was active over the years in community affairs as a member of the United Church of Christ, the Mazomanie Lions Club, the Mazomanie Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, the Mazomanie Historical Society, the Wisconsin Heights School District Educational Foundation, the Mazomanie Charitable Alliance and the Greening-Buelow American Legion Post #437. A 32nd degree Mason, Jim was a member of the Lodi Masonic Valley Lodge #99, a past master of Crescent Valley Lodge #97 and an officer of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin.
It was a life well-lived.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, his son Doug and daughter-in-law, Molly, St. Charles, Illinois, granddaughter Mackenzie, Chicago, Illinois and grandson Jack of St. Charles. He is further survived by a sister, Mary and brothers and sisters-in-law Dick and Sharon Royston, Ginny and Duane Mellum, Jane and Walter Peterson, David and Joy Royston, nieces and nephews, the extended Royston and Borman families and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in law Bill and Neveda (Borman) Royston and sister-in-law Kathleen Royston Cheney.
A Funeral Service for Jim will be held at the Mazomanie United Church of Christ, 109 West Hudson Street, Mazomanie on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. with Military Honors to follow. A luncheon will then follow at The Old Feed Mill in Mazomanie. Jim’s family will receive friends at the Hooverson Funeral Home, 702 Emily Road, Mazomanie on Thursday, October 27. A Masonic Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 7:00 p.m.
Jim’s family wishes to thank Agrace Hospice Care, Molly Craney, Gayle Harrop, Pete Peterson and Jesse & Theresa Duhr all of whom assisted Jim with home care during his final journey and the many friends and family who provided support and meals during this time. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or Agrace.org/Donate, or to the Wisconsin Heights Educational Foundation, 1930 Blue Mounds Street, Black Earth, WI 53515.
Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com
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