James H. Kossel

James “Jim” Henry Kossel, age 80, of Oshkosh, passed away due to complications of Alzheimer’s on Monday, February 15, 2021. He was born in Oshkosh on November 21, 1940 to Richard and Lois (Bridge) Kossel. Jim graduated from Omro High School and the Oshkosh Institute of Business Education. He entered the US Marine Corps in March of 1962 and was honorably discharged in February of 1965. He often said that it was God and his mother (who wrote him daily) that got him through the service. While in the Marines and while guarding a prisoner, Jim was knocked unconscious with a 2x4. He was unable to board the transport helicopter, which was shot down leaving no survivors. God had other plans for Jim. The Marines and their uncompromising code of integrity was something Jim carried with him and displayed throughout his life.
Most of Jim’s working career was spent as President of Wisconsin Axle Credit Union. He also had the honor of being elected to serve on Corporate Central Board of Directors. A former employee said the following about Jim, “Everything I’ve learned about being a good person and treating people right, I learned form Jim.” Few people can say this about their boss. In his early years, Jim enjoyed bringing home rabbit and squirrel for his mother to cook. Later, he also looked forward to pheasant and deer hunting. He enjoyed fishing in Wisconsin and Minnesota with his father-in-law. Jim served his family selflessly, moving his daughter and nieces across town, across the state, and across the country many times without ever uttering a complaint. He enjoyed procuring and processing wood from his hunting land to heat the family home. He was a physical fitness buff and kept himself in excellent physical condition, running several miles a day when able. Throughout his life, he was a faithful and loyal servant of the Lord. Jim was a kind, humble man who thought of others before himself and lived by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carol, of 54 years, who was at his side with faithful diligence throughout his debilitating illness. He is further survived by his daughter Kelli (Steven) Miller, as well as two sisters: Joan (Robert) Wolff Jr. and Judy (Thomas) Steckbauer, and one sister-in-law: Bonnie Montgomery and brother-in-law, Curt Schnese. He will be greatly missed by his two nieces: Jodi (partner, Todd Foate) Wolff and Brittany (Paul) Coveyou, as well as great-niece, Ambria Coveyou and many cousins. He will also be remembered fondly by his “adopted” granddaughter, Sandhya “Sunny” Oaks.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his in-laws, Harold and Bernice Becker.
A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and Home Care Assistance – Fox Cities. God certainly sent each of these ‘angels’ to our home. We would not have made it through our journey without them.
And God said, “This is my son with whom I am well pleased” … and it is time to come home.
In lieu of flowers and to celebrate Jim’s life and love for God, the family asks that any memorial donations be made to Community Church – Community Student Ministries (CSM) at 2351 Ryf Road, Oshkosh, WI 54904.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Community Church on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. followed by the service.