Surnames: Cross, Podratz, Icke

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Wed, 14 April 2004

Cross, James H. (11 July 1919 - 11 April 2004)

James H. Cross, 84, of Marshfield passed peacefully in his home on Easter Sunday after a brief illness.

At James' request there will be no funeral services nor visitation. Interment will be in Hillside Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

James "Jim" Cross was born July 11, 1919, in the town of Unity, Clark County, to John E. and Margaret (Icke) Cross. He attended Willow Brook rural school and graduated from Spencer High School in 1937. Jim farmed with his parents until 1952. He then worked as the dairyman at the old Wood County Hospital until purchasing his current dairy and beef farm in 1954.

On May 22, 1954, he married Darlene F. Podratz at McMillan Lutheran Church. Sadly, Darlene died Sept. 24, 1973, after a lengthy illness.

This marks Jim's 50th year of farming in the town of Richfield. He was still raising cattle until recently. He served as treasurer or clerk for the town for 32 years, where his attention to detail served him well. Many summers he worked for the ASCS office in crop insurance/damages. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church.

Farming and all the skills it entailed was his life. He welcomed robins and killdeer in spring, a good second crop in summer and the changes of the seasons. Simple pleasures in life were enough for him. We should all be so lucky.

Jim is survived by his son, Marc (Undine) Cross.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Darlene; his brother, John; and his parents.

Jim was truly a self-made man. His strength of body, mind and soul enabled him to adapt to life's battles and be a better man for it. He lived his life the old fashioned way, with truth, common sense, hard work and generosity to others.

Jim maintained his sharp mind throughout the years. He was increasingly well read and books allowed him to travel easily through time. He didn't fish or hunt but he always enjoyed blackjack, black coffee and a Lucky Strike.