James “Bummer” K. Palamaruk, 71, of rural Kendall peacefully passed away in his home with his family on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026.
Bummer was born to Elizabeth “Betty” (Magee) and Metro Palamaruk on June 28, 1954, in Fort Williams, Ontario, Canada, where he and his family lived until they moved to Kendall, Wis., in 1966. After graduating from Royall High School, Bummer enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served. Upon his return to Kendall, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Miller, and this union blessed him with his three children.
Bummer worked alongside his parents and brother, Bruce, at Kendall Lumber, the family business. Working at the lumberyard enabled him to hone his carpentry, maintenance and woodworking skills. Bummer enjoyed working with his hands and owned his own carpentry business for a while and eventually landed a job working as a fireman at Fort McCoy, where he worked his way up to Assistant Fire Chief.
Upon his retirement from Fort McCoy, he took on the full-time job of Dad, Grandpa and professional “tinkerer.” Bummer had a true appreciation for nature. He passed on his love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. In his free time, you could find him outside hunting, fishing, cutting wood, gardening, doing excavation work or volunteering at many community events. He was also a member of the Kendall Volunteer Fire Department. His legacy of shenanigans and good times will live on through his children and grandchildren, who truly were his whole world.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth “Betty” (Magee) and Metro Palamaruk, and his nephew, Toby Pasch.
James is survived by his children, Jody Whited of Leavenworth, Kan., Jeremy (Sara) Palamaruk of Kendall, Wis., and Jessica Palamaruk (his “Baby Girl”) of Kendall, Wis.
In addition to his children, he is survived by his five adoring grandchildren, Shey Whited, Josh Palamaruk, Evan Palamaruk, Ethan Palamaruk and Alice Palamaruk (his other “Baby Girl”). He is further survived by his siblings, Bruce Palamaruk of Kendall, Wis., Lindy (Pat) Webster of Rio, Wis., Cindy (Tom) Ballenger of Elroy, Wis., and Marge (Craig) Sturtz of Rock Springs, Wis.; his uncle, David (Diane) Magee of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; other family members, Gail Palamaruk, Dianne (Wayne) Hanson, Kathy Pfaff, Joni (Charlie) Pasch, Joe Miller, Teresa (Tim) Schroeder, Jim (Jodie) Miller, Robert Miller, Patti (John) Sandquist and Barb (Ken) Moore; and many nieces and nephews.
Formal arrangements will be announced at a later date. The Sonnenburg/Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
