James "Jim" Hoctel, 60, born on March 15, 1965, in South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully.

Jim battled severe diabetes for most of his adult life and ultimately succumbed to complications from the disease. Despite the challenges he faced, Jim lived life fully, with strength, humor, and a heart full of love for his family, friends, and community.

Jim grew up in a family with a proud and rich history of military service—a legacy he honored by enlisting in the United States Army shortly after graduating from Assumption High School in Davenport, Iowa. After serving his country, Jim built a successful career as a commercial painter and carpenter, known for his skilled craftsmanship and strong work ethic.

From a young age, Jim had a natural talent for baseball. He was an excellent player and spent his childhood summers at playing Little League with his whole family there to cheer him on. Those early memories of baseball, teamwork, and community shaped the way he lived the rest of his life—with loyalty, determination, and joy. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.

Jim was a beloved brother—the favorite brother of all his sisters: Gigi, Janie, Julie, and Jennifer. As the oldest, Jim was a constant protector and friend. He let his sisters join the neighborhood baseball games, shared his treehouse, helped them learn to ride bikes, and always made sure they felt included and safe. He looked out for "his girls" every step of the way, and the bond they shared remained strong throughout their lives.

Jim also had a deep connection to nature. He spent many weekends in Niles, Michigan, camping, fishing, and hunting with his father and grandfather. He especially enjoyed ice fishing, and in later years, took up kayak fishing—spending countless peaceful hours on the rivers and lakes of the Midwest in boats he modified himself.

Another passion of Jim's was playing pool, a game he learned from his father and mastered over the years. He competed in tournaments across the Midwest and most recently played in several leagues where he was known not only for his skill, but also for his camaraderie and sportsmanship.

In his later years, Jim moved to Lake Geneva to be closer to family. As he did everywhere he went, he quickly made friends and became a valued part of the community. He dedicated many hours volunteering as a peer support specialist for fellow veterans and others in need, offering wisdom, comfort, and compassion drawn from his own life experiences.

Jim is survived by his loving sisters—Gigi, Julie, and Jennifer—his Aunt Mary Cox; his Uncle Richard Gregory; and many extended family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Diana Hoctel, and now deceased sister, Jane "Janie" Hoctel. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his generous heart, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 to 5:00PM  on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at Holly's Como Inn, N3461 Co. Truck H Lake Geneva, WI, with Military Honors at 2:30PM.  Online guest book available at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.