James R. Pailing, age 87 of Darlington, formerly of Mazomanie, passed away Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at Lafayette Manor in Darlington.  He was born on Dec. 11, 1929 in Arena, the son of George and LaVerne (Olson) Pailing.  Jim graduated from Arena High School in 1947.  He was united in marriage to Mary Rowan on Nov. 15, 1950 in Ridgeway. Jim grew up in Arena.  Following his graduation from high school, James entered the United States Army where he was stationed in Alaska during the Korean Conflict.  Upon his return from the Army he moved to Mazomanie, and began farming along with working in refrigeration at Sub Zero in Madison.  Jim worked for the State of Wisconsin at both Mendota and Truax Field and also worked privately in heating and air conditioning in the Madison area, often times doing it just to help people out.
Jim is survived by 8 children: Michael Pailing of Glendora, Mich., Patricia (Ken) Reuhl of New Jersey, Mary Jo (Mike) Davis of Glendora, Mich., Dena (Dennis) Matteson of rural Darlington, Debora Huset of Poynette, Lucile (Steve) Willam of Arizona, Theresa Moyes of McFarland, and Donna (Dave) Brown of Poynette; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one sister: Patricia Jennings of Arena and one sister-in-law Patricia Pailing of Ridgeway.  He was preceded in death by his parents; Mary on Dec. 26, 1992; two brothers: Donald and Francis Pailing, one sister:  Mary (Milt) Galucia; one brother-in-law: Norman Jennings; and one sister-in-law: Betty Pailing.
Jim was a member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Mazomanie. On Aug. 14, 2017 Jim believed in Jesus Christ for his eternal life. He was a member of Greening-Buelow American Legion Post #437 of Mazomanie.  He loved working on his farm and enjoyed playing Euchre with his family and friends.  Jim was an extremely generous man who gave his time and resources to anyone who needed them.  He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church (15691 County Rd K., Darlington) with Reverend Nick J. McElrath officiating.  Burial will be in St. Barnabas Cemetery in Mazomanie.  A visitation will be held Saturday at the church from 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Military Rites will be accorded at the church by Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington.  The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim’s name.