James "Jim" M. Cantwell, 81, Green Bay, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024. He was born May 2, 1943, Green Bay to James D. and Patricia K. (O'Donnell) Cantwell.

Jim graduated from Premontre High School and served in the Marine Corp. Reserves. He married Phyllis Drzewiecki on April 27, 1968 at St. Benedict Church. Jim started his working career at Birds Eye Dairy and would often boast that he was Bart Starr's milkman. Later, he and Phyllis owned and operated Cantwell Foods, the neighborhood grocery store. Jim eventually and officially retired from Shopko. He was always proud of his Irish heritage, loved his cats, and enjoyed yearly vacations to Robert's Lake. Jim was actively involved in the community. He coached his daughter's youth soccer team and volunteered at the VA Hospital. He volunteered at church and there he gladly helped Vietnamese families settle into their new lives in the United States. Through these interactions he was introduced to the struggles and hardships that the Vietnamese faced. Jim took the opportunity to share his knowledge and discuss the sufferings and obstacles faced by Vietnamese families by writing a book entitled - Highway #1. No one was a stranger, and he always welcomed family and friends both near and far. He befriended Packer fans in New York and through an invitation to come and stay for a game he hosted his new friends for over 25 years. Jim created lifelong friendships through his volunteering and through his love of the Packers.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis; children, Paul (Cyndi) Cantwell, Amy (Tom) VandenAvond, Jennifer (Kris Bjorlin) Cantwell; grandchildren, Anthony (Lauren) Cantwell, David (Maddie) Cantwell, Elizabeth Cantwell, Andrew (Avery) VandenAvond, Eric VandenAvond, Aleksander Bjorlin, Hans Bjorlin, Anders Bjorlin; sister, Margaret "Peggy" Manning; siblings-in-law, Valentine (Dianne) Drzewiecki III, Lorraine (Leon) Loritz; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Patricia; sister, Kathleen (Ralph) Danen; brother, Patrick Cantwell; brother-in-law, Milfred "Bud" Manning; niece, Mary Lea St. Thomas; nephews, Tom Manning, Jeffrey Danen; in-laws, Valentine and Lucille (Kozloski) Drzewiecki II.

Friends and family will gather at St. Willebrord Catholic Church, 209 S. Adams St., from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 21; Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in his name.