James "Jim" W. Ransom

James (Jim) William Ransom, 82, of Fond du Lac, died peacefully at Hospice Home of Hope on Sunday, July 23, 2017. He was born to Marie and Allan Ransom on November 11, 1934.



Jim had many jobs throughout his life, but the most important job was delivering newspapers on Boyd Street where he met his lifelong love, Marlene. They dated all through high school at Saint Mary’s Springs where their love story began. Jim joined the Marines shortly after graduating. Stationed in California, he returned to Fond du Lac to marry Marlene, and she joined him on the West Coast during his enlistment. Missing Fond du Lac, they moved back to establish their home.



Jim was a lifelong entrepreneur at heart. His dream was realized when he and Marlene opened the doors to Ransom’s Family Restaurant in 1977. They retired almost two decades later, and for years after, continued to hear from many Fond du Lac customers and friends how much they loved visiting and, for many, working at Ransom’s.



Jim won’t be remembered as much for what he did, but rather how he did it. He approached every adverse situation with the most positive outcome assumed. Through talking with him, be it his family, friends or employees, you walked away feeling like things were going to be okay or you could accomplish anything. Not only was he keenly wise, but he listened. He truly cared about people and their problems. His steady guidance always created a calming presence. He made a difference in so many lives, certainly none more than his three children. An understated teacher. A quiet leader. He was our hero.



Jim loved family get-togethers, grilling out, fish frys, and the Green Bay Packers. Country music was a favorite, whether he was hearing it live, listening to it at home or writing his own songs.



Jim is survived by his two sons, Jim Jr. and his wife Kris (Kirchhoff) of Neenah and Scott and his wife, Ginny (Keehn) of Madison; his daughter, Edie Pierce, and her husband Steve of Lake Mills. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Stephanie Ryd (Johan), Eric (Ashley), Courtney, Scott Jr. (Stephanie), Danny, Rachel, and Luke. He is survived by his sisters Joni Shwed and Lonnie Behnke (Bob), brother John (Evie), brother-in-law Robert Hopp, and sisters-in-law Marjean Ransom and Donna Burton.



Jim was received in heaven by his parents, Marie and Allan, his wife, Marlene, his grandson, Danny, his sister, Jeanne Hopp, and his brother, Allan Ransom, Jr. His extended family, Joe Shwed, Carlton Burton, Milbert, Rosie, Jerry, Irene, Bob, and Virginia Deitte, were along for the reception.



Visitation will take place on Friday, July 28, 2017 from 9:45 AM until 11:45 AM at Sacred Heart Church-Holy Family Parish, 200 S. Peters Ave, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at the church at 11:45 AM. Cremation has taken place and private interment will take place at a later date at Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum. Trier-Puddy American Legion Post #75 will conduct military honors at the church.