James L. Cornell, Sr., 69, of Sparta died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at his home.
He was born Nov. 29, 1943, to Charles and Edna (Gudgeon) Cornell in Viroqua. For 30 years, he lived and raised a family in the Black Valley. He stayed close friends with his sons’ mother, Gloria Lee. He worked as a corporal level-three stainless steel fabricator for 32 years at Walker Stainless Steel in Elroy. He was proud of his 34 years of sobriety and motivating and helping others with their sobriety. His surreal art was an outlet for him to express himself, and it is appreciated by all around him. He accomplished much in his life; helping veterans was top on the list, and has awards to show for it – the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
He would be best described as an all-around woodsman. He was looking forward to this year’s deer hunt, where he could prove, yet again, his excellent marksmanship. Of all his time in the woods, he enjoyed “Zang Banging” (wild ginseng hunting) the most.
He is survived by his three sons, Jim (Lori) Cornell, Jeff Cornell and Jerry (Shelly) Cornell; his brother, Mervin Cornell; seven grandchildren Jennifer, Jessica, Mellissa, Joseph, Jayden, Kaila and Bobby; and six great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Jude, Jackson, Julian, Jasper and one on the way, Ashton; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles Cornell and Fred Cornell; and a sister, Mary Duff.
The funeral service will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, 702 Center St., Wilton. Pastor James Leston will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
