James Mayhew

November 12, 1942 - October 24, 2025

In Loving Memory of Jim Mayhew

It is with profound sadness and tender remembrance that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Mayhew, who departed this life on October 24, 2025 at the age of 82 He was a quiet, loving, sweet man with a dry sense of humor, leaving behind a legacy that will forever warm the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.

Born on November 12, 1942, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Jim lived a life rich in laughter and adventures. He loved NASCAR, the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers, as well as ballroom dancing, woodworking, skiing, biking, and the Province Convertible Cruisers. He had a deep love of his three children and their families.

As a career, Jim was a truck driver and telephone company employee, but he retired from Wisconsin Power and Light as an electrical technician. He loved his work and was well respected and known for being knowledgeable and meticulous.

Jim is a Navy veteran. He entered the Navy at age 17 and was on a mine sweeper in the Bay of Pigs mission. He was proud of his service and loved his country.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Porior-Mayhew, and their son James; daughter Lisa (Mike) Reinke and their children Tyler Reinke, great-grandchildren Jameson and Aria, and Ashley (Tyler) Mattek; great-grandchildren Cal and Croix. Daughter Michelle (Joe) Ryan and daughter Taylor (Andre) He had three living siblings: Carole (Ray) Smith, Linda (Mike) Conrad, and Tom (Joanne) Mayhew plus numerous nieces and nephews who will carry forward his spirit in every shared memory and every act of love. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Jim’s light continues to shine in the lives he touched.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on his birthday, November 12, 2025 in the Province Annex at 4:30 p.m. and again on June 27, 2026, at Memorial United Church of Christ in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, at 11 a.m. One of Jim’s favorite meals will follow each service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Porior Mayhew Family Fund at the United Way of Dane County Foundation to assist the less fortunate with mental illness or dementia services.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Virginia (Julius) Mayhew, his brothers, Timm and Dennis, as well as his sister-in-laws, Joanne and Sandi, and his brother-in-law, Ray Smith.

Rest gently, Jim. You are deeply loved, and you will be dearly missed.

 United Way of Dane County Foundation, Inc.

Porior-Mayhew Family Fund

PO Box 7548

Madison, WI  53707-7548

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