James C. Tatnall

James Coolidge Tatnall, age 84, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024. Jim was born February 11, 1940, in Chicago, IL. to George and Beverly (Hansen). He married Barbara (Jablonowski) and they celebrated 58 years of marriage together. They were blessed with two children, Kirk and Lori.

Jim grew up in Itasca, Illinois and graduated from Lake Park High School. He earned an Evans Scholars Golf Caddy Scholarship enabling him to earn his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Teaching of Social Studies from the University of Illinois - Champaign/Urbana in 1963, and a Master of Science Degree in Education - History from UW-Madison in 1965.

He began his 38-year career with the State of Wisconsin as a Job Service Consultant finishing as a Social Worker for the Department of Corrections. Various agencies recognized his commitment to fighting for justice in all areas of life. Jim provided a beautiful example as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Traveling with Barbara was a high point of his retirement. Supporting his children's and grandchildren's interests was his passion. He enjoyed golf, basketball, football, listening to music and appreciated the beauty of nature. A loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs and The Bears proved his bravery in Packerland. Jim's sense of humor enabled him to make people laugh with his creation of puns, rhymes and limericks.

Jim is survived by his wife Barbara; children: Kirk (Leigh Ann) Tatnall and Lori (Ken) Zielinski; grandchildren: Ashli Medrow (Austin Binkstock), Colin Zielinski; great-grandchild: Stella Binkstock; Sisters-in-law: Carol and Joyce Jablonowski. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Beverly (Hansen); brother: Thomas Tatnall, and his brothers-in-law: Paul and Raymond Jablonowski. 

Visitation will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church (6060 W Loomis Rd., Greendale) on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 10:30 AM until the service at 12:00 noon. A Special Thank you to Fr. Steven Block and staff at Brenwood Park Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice. 

In leiu of flowers please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or The Hunger Task Force.