Fennimore, WI-Dr. James F. Lomas, 84, died Thursday Oct. 2, 2014 at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. James was born on April 16, 1930, in Fennimore, WI, the son of George and Alma (Ford) Lomas. James married his high school sweetheart, Donna Needham, on Aug. 16, 1952 in Fennimore.
Dr. Lomas attended St. Mary's grade school and graduated from Fennimore High School in 1948. He received his Bachelor's degree in economics and pre-law from UW Madison in 1952. He served as lieutenant in the Army Transportation and Arctic Group during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he returned to school receiving his Doctorate from Marquette University Dental School in 1959 and set up practice in Fennimore where he served his community for 42 years.
Dr. Lomas was a prominent athlete, sportsman and community servant. In his youth, he was rewarded for his athletic prowess in football when he earned the starting quarterback position for the South in the 1948 Wisconsin All Star Game and played one year with the Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoyed days spent trout fishing and hunting with his family and friends but what he enjoyed most was attending the many sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the American Legion and served on the Marsden Park and Fennimore School Boards. He was also a former volunteer for the Fennimore Fire Department.
"Doc" as he is fondly remembered by many, retained his crystal clear memory and quick wit and humor all his days as he shared countless stories with his comrades of school, sport, service to country and the history of Fennimore.
James is survived by five children; James Lomas Jr. of Madison, Patrick (Debbie) Lomas of Dubuque, IA, Sarah (Brian) Graffin of Stoughton, Jennifer (Sam) Voight of Marshfield, and John (Kelly) Lomas of Onalaska, 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna and sisters; Darleen Steinhoff, Mary Ellen Frantz, Margaret Edward, and Barbara Jurgens.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wed. Oct. 8, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 P.M. on Tuesday evening Oct. 7, 2014 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore where a parish rosary will be held at 3:30 P.M.