Jim was born in Racine on July 7, 1947, the son of the late Carl and Anna (nee Van Dyke) Talsma.  He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1965. After high school, Jim served his country as a medic in Germany with the US Army during the Vietnam War.

He married Kathleen Danoski at St. Joseph Catholic Church on October 6, 1973.

Jim owned and operated the Airport Inn in Sturtevant for 48 years. Playing pool was his true passion and was state champion in 1970.  He also was an avid golfer and competed in the Tri-Course competition.

In addition to his wife, Kathy, to whom he was married for almost 51 years, he is survived by his brothers, George (Kathy) Talsma and Carl (Kelly) Talsma.  He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Debra (Kerry Frasier) Danoski; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, loyal customers, and friends. Jim was also preceded in death by his sister, Thelma (Ted) Montsma and his brother-in-law, John Danoski.

Family and friends are invited to meet on Friday, July 26, 2024, for a visitation to meet with his family from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  A private interment will take place with Military Honors at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.  Due to family allergies to flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.