James E. Tyler, Sr., 95, of Tomah, died on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Tomah VA Medical Center. On May 15, 1930, James was born in Kansas City, Missouri. James proudly enlisted in the United States Army in and after attending the United States Army Airborne School, became a paratrooper. This decision led him to discover his love and passion for jumping out of airplanes.
James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Velda J. Meyers, on February 12, 1957, in Crowne Point, Indianna, and to this union 4 children were born. Jim worked as a police officer for the Chicago Police Department. In 1968 they moved to Tomah, and he went to work for the Tomah Department of Veterans Affairs in Tomah. He worked until his retirement in 1984.
James was a member of the Grassman Sowle Larsen Senz American Legion Post #201 and was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). In his later years, James enjoyed making lapidary art. He made necklaces, crafted bolo ties, belt buckles, earrings, and miniature angels. He loved to give away the angels to family and friends. He was outgoing and friendly and always enjoyed visiting with his to family and friends, especially at McDonalds.
James had a strong faith and relationship with his Lord and Savior, whom he loved wholeheartedly. James will be remembered for being generous and loving to those around him and will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
James is survived by his beloved wife, Velda of 69 years, children, Cindy (Louis) Ramer of Mauston, Kathy (Robert) Stremcha of Elroy, Sandy (Kurt) Betcher of Denver, CO, and James Tyler, Jr., of Rockland; 8 grandchildren, Arlene Ramer, Evan (Amanda) Ramer, Anjule (Cole) Dolin, Sharlene (Lance) Doll, Jennifer Stremcha, Jessica Betcher, Tyler Betcher, and Matthew Tyler; 8 great-grandchilren, Marshall, Shepherd, Wesley, Tyler, Amnesty, Braxton, Morrigan, and Gage. He is further survived by many other family members and close friends.
James is preceded in death by his mother, Nellie; sister, Betty; and his brothers and sisters-in-law.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St. Tomah. Pastor Terry Terrell will officiate. Burial will be at the Greenfield Cemetery #2, Town of Greenfield.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
