James G. Reitmeyer, on August 20, 2013, of Washington Twp. Age 79. Beloved husband of Geraldine C. (nee Cook). Devoted father of Edward J. (Lauri), Charles J. (Jane) and Mary C. Sullivan (Michael). Loving grandfather of 7. Dear brother of the late Mary Brandt.

A loving husband, devoted father, fervent Catholic, devout Republican and the biggest White Sox and University of Wisconsin Football fan that you ever met.

Jim was born on November 29, 1933 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Charles John Reitmeyer, a tavern owner, and Teresa Smuggler Reitmeyer. Jim had two older siblings, Mary Agnes Reitmeyer Brandt and Charles Robert Reitmeyer, who died in his infancy. In his last days, Jim had fond memories of growing up on Lake Michigan, running an ice cream stand and delivering newspapers, playing baseball and visiting family members in Chicago.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1952, Jim enrolled the University of Wisconsin, Manitowoc Extension, where he played center on what he described as the worst college basketball team in history. Eventually, Jim transferred to the main campus of the University of Wisconsin and received his degree in 1956 in Business Administration. While on the Madison campus, Jim enjoyed his time as a brother in the Theta Chi fraternity and his trips to the State Street Brat House.

After college, Jim entered the U.S. Navy, where he went to Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Jim was commissioned an officer and soon earned the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, while serving in Washington D.C. at the Naval Communications Center for three years. During his time in the Navy, Jim handled many secret and important communications, including the Navy’s first submarine to travel under the polar ice cap.

With the Navy in a transitional period at the time, Jim decided to leave the service and take a job at the Wausau Insurance Company. Jim wound up working for Wausau for over thirty years. For a large portion of his career, Jim held the title of Claims Manager, where he, over the years, lead a team of hundreds of claims adjusters and became an expert in Workers Compensation issues.

During his work with Wausau in Baltimore, Maryland, he met Geraldine Cook, who worked in the same office building. As Jim loved Big Band music, they had their first date at Pierce’s Plantation, where they had dinner and danced. After a courtship of around a year, they were married on October 6, 1962. A son, Edward J. Reitmeyer, was born in 1963. After Jim was transferred to Philadelphia and the family settled in Turnersville, New Jersey, Charles J. (“Buck”) Reitmeyer and Mary C. Reitmeyer Sullivan were added to the family in 1966 and 1971 respectfully.

Jim was active in the Knights of Columbus and was appointed the Grand Knight of the local chapter. Jim also did his duty with the Cub Scouts and Indian Guides and Princesses. Further, he was, of course, a constant attendee at his children’s baseball, basketball, wrestling and rugby games.

Consistent with Jim’s love of learning and as a result of the sacrifices of both Jim and Geraldine, all three of Jim’s children graduated from college and went on to further receive graduate degrees.

All of Jim’s children have gone on to marry and start the own loving families. Ed married Lauri Kavulich and has twogirls, Francesca and Caroline. Buck married Jane Bonner and has to two children, Charlotte and James Henry (“Hank”). Mary married Michael Sullivan, eventually moved to San Francisco and has three boys, Oscar, Luke and Brooks.

Jim’s family would like to thank everyone that has helped them through Jim’s illness and this difficult time.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Saturday 9:30 – 11:00 am at the Church of the Holy Family, 226 Hurffville Road, Washington Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 11:15 am. Interment Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.

Arrangements are under the care of the Egizi Funeral Home, Washington Twp. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.egizifuneral.com

“A Life Well Lived
Is Worth Remembering”