James Walter Sirvio, 75

James Walter Sirvio, 75, of Stevens Point, died at home April 6, 2025, of heart and kidney failure. His wife, Beverly, whom he adored more than anyone, was at his side.

Jim was born March 12, 1950, in Ontonagon, Michigan, to Walter and Isabelle Sirvio. Frustrated with how his father was treated as a local Dodge mechanic, Jim began calling auto shops and dealerships listed in the want ads of The Milwaukee Journal. After finding work, Walter moved to Milwaukee in 1964, and the family followed soon after. Jim graduated from Custer High School in 1968 and later relocated to Minneapolis.

While living in the Twin Cities, Jim fell in love at first sight with Beverly Adamson, the sister of his roommate, Wayne. The couple married in 1971 in her hometown of Mountain Lake, Minnesota.

He served five years in law enforcement as a patrolman and sheriff’s deputy, highlighted by special security assignments for vice presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey and President Gerald Ford. In 1979, he transitioned into a career with Sentry Insurance as a claims adjuster and investigator.

Jim’s 29-year career at Sentry included roles as a corporate claims specialist and national accounts executive. He successfully managed and grew membership and revenue for the U.S.-based Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association and its Canadian counterpart, Prairie Implement Manufacturers Association. He enjoyed bringing Beverly along on many of his business trips across North America.

Inquisitive, curious, and mechanically inclined, Jim loved to fix things. He followed in his father’s footsteps as an auto mechanic and became skilled in electronics, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work.

He was also deeply committed to his faith, raising his family to follow Christ. He served in his church communities as a Sunday school teacher, lay counselor, deacon, and elder. In every room where he spent time, there was a well-worn Bible. Jim’s professional success, personal faith, and many talents made him exceptionally generous with his time and quietly helpful to those in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Susan Siehs (née Sirvio) and Elaine Ann Sirvio.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Beverly; two sons, Ryan (Billi Lin) of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and Brent (Megan) of Appleton, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Jude, Noah, Zack, Eili, Ingbritt and Nathaniel; two sisters, Nancy Gerdes (née Sirvio) of Sun City West, Arizona, and Jennifer Wagner (née Sirvio) of Rosenberg, Texas; 11 nephews, one niece, and their families across the country.

Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Boston Funeral Home in Stevens Point, with a service to follow. Interment will take place at a later date in Ontonagon.