James "Jim" Michael Dandoy

Jim passed away peacefully with family at his side on 01-25-21 after a courageous battle with Covid-19. A frugal man with many quirks and hilarious original one-liners, the “gentle giant” brought a smile and laugh to the faces of those whom he knew. As a 17yo Milwaukee kid, seeing his options few, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Jim remembered arriving in Vietnam in April of ’65 with Company I, 3rd Division/4th Marine Regiment as a skinny kid with big feet expecting the worst. He saw tents erected with air conditioning units in each one and thought, “this won’t be so bad”. Then he was directed to an empty field to “start digging” his new home. Jim was honorably discharged in 1968 and went to work for the railroad before beginning his career as a Police Officer with Glendale PD. He married Susan Wagner (Glendale) in Jan 1971 and became the “proud papa” to sons Bill and Brian. Early on, their home was a second home for nephews Chris and Rick Wagner, and “adopted” son Robert (Bob)Simpson, as well as many other friends, family and blue family. Jim served the citizens of Glendale from 1969-2001 as a patrol officer, Detective, Det. Lt, and retired as Patrol Captain. The Glendale Herald once ran a story about him titled, “Top Gun: But His Weapons are Patience and Persistence”. A skilled, street-wise Detective, Jim was well known amongst Milwaukee area officers as a fingerprint expert, and was passionate about pursuing justice for crime victims. Jim could fix almost anything, and when he retired, he loaded up his Honda Accord with tools, stuffed a pen and utility knife in his sexy trademark button-down shirt pocket, put on a USMC Vet hat and went to work for his neighborhood “haram”, friends and family. He never asked for much in return as a simple “thanks Jim!” filled his cup. As he aged, he became an obituary aficionado, fed birds at the feeder, squirrels from his hand and loved giving treats to the neighborhood dogs. Sunday mornings were for breakfast at Chuck’s Place with family or neighbors. He loved doing puzzles, working on Ancestry.com, and investing. He was a story teller and greeted everyone with an Oohrah! Well known at the Green 7 and The Brick Pub in Glendale, Jim was and will always be a legend in the area. Jim’s friends were many, but neighbors Jeff, Ann and Seth; Jason, Tricia and Sam; Lance, Vicki, Jeanne, Paula, Marie, Kim, Angie, Toni, Marge, barstool buddy Bill and sister-in-law Barb made his life rich with love and appreciation. His best friend was his brother, John Dandoy (ret. MPD). “It’s always been the two of us”. As brothers should, they always had each other’s back. Jim is survived by his grateful sons William (Jacalyn) Dandoy, Lake Mills; Brian (Tamara) Dandoy, Cedarburg; brother John (Nancy) Dandoy, Mnt. Juliet TN; Sister Julie (late Robert) Harter, Powder Springs GA; Granddaughters Julia, Lauren and Elyn Dandoy. Further survived by sisters-in-law Barbara Wagner; Patricia (Thomas) Pagac; brother-in-law Richard (Cathy) Wagner; Preceded in death by his parents John and Catherine Dandoy, and ex-wife (but still Sunday morning breakfast friend) Susan Dandoy. A memorial service is being planned for a later date.