James M. Halpin

Jim Halpin, age 65 of rural Rio, died Monday, February 18, 2019, at the U.W. Hospital from lung cancer.

Jim was born May 18, 1953, the second of eight children to Norman and Ann (Klaila) Halpin.  He was raised on the Halpin family farm, originally purchased in 1849 becoming the fifth generation to farm it.

Upon graduation from Rio High School in 1971, Jim attended U. W. Madison, earning a degree in Meat & Animal Science in 1975.  During college, he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, where he made many life-long friends. May 25, 2000, Jim married Pat Borde in Jamaica. They enjoyed building a new house on the farm.

Jim enjoyed hunting deer and turkeys and all the traditions that went along with it. He also was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling – from across the US to far-off destinations in Australia and Africa.

Jim is survived by his sisters: Pat Halpin, Jane (Dave) Roisum, Jean (Robin) Craker, Margaret Halpin and Alice Halpin; his in-laws Sally Halpin, Jean (Larry) Staveness, Nancy (Paul) Bernander, Dennis (Sharon) Borde, Alan (Patti Jo) Borde, Jon (Melissa) Borde, and Neil (Doreen) Borde; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; his parents; his parents-in-law, Wilmer and Elizabeth Borde; and his brothers Bill and Joe.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 23 at 11 AM at Grasse Funeral Home, 401 Angel Way, Rio. Visitation will be held Friday, February 22 from 4 to 7 PM at Grasse Funeral Home in Rio and again from 10 AM until the time of services Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be donated to the Rio Community Library, Rocky Run Catholic Cemetery, or a charity of your choosing. The family wishes to thank the Rio EMS and the wonderful care givers of the Columbus and UW hospitals.

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