James "Jim" Stephen Gross

James ""Jim"" Stephen Gross, 74, of North Venice, FL and formerly from Appleton, WI passed away on June 15, 2020. Jim was born on November 7, 1945 in Menominee, Michigan, to his parents, George and Marjorie (Jergens) Gross. Jim joined the Boy Scouts at the age of 11 and eventually became an Eagle Scout. He attended the Stephenson School System in Michigan and graduated with the Crivitz, WI High School Class of 1963. Jim received his BA degree from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. After graduation he proudly served in the Army Reserve, the 432nd Civil Affairs Unit and was a 10 year veteran. Jim began his career with AAL/Thrivent Financial of Appleton as a life underwriter. He earned the designation of Fellow of the Life Management Institute, Chartered Life Underwriter, and was in the first group of the inductees in the Fellow of the Academy of Life Underwriters. He served as president of the Wisconsin Home Office Life Underwriters Association. In addition he taught insurance classes for Appleton Fox Valley Technical Institute. Jim became an officer at AAL/Thrivent Financial, and rose to the position of Vice President and General Manager. He had a rewarding career, enjoyed the work he did, and retired after 30 years . Jim always loved old cars, starting with his first Model A Ford at age 14, his National Winner 1928 Model A Roadster, and ""Olivia"" his 1936 Ford Cabriolet. His last project was a 1928 Model A Ford ""Little Esther"" named after his mother-in-law whom he loved dearly. He was an active member of several antique car clubs in the area. He often said that there was nothing better than riding down a country road in the fall, the smell of a little oil in the gas, and the fragrance of fresh fallen leaves. He enjoyed traveling and participating in missionary work with his wife, Karen, in China, Slovakia, and Palestine. He served on the board of directors for the Lutheran Bible Translators in Aurora, IL. Jim was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice, FL. He joined the Venice Area Historical Society and was a docent at the Venice Train Depot. Jim also loved cooking and entertaining his family and friends. They say that if you have one good friend in your life, you are fortunate. Jim was blessed to have several. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Berg) Gross, of North Venice, FL; brother, Jerry Gross (Laura) of Bumpass, VA; sister, Lori Kirt (David) of Menominee, MI; sisters-in-law, DeAnna Peterson (Joseph) of Chester, NY, Sherry Curtis (Gary) of Venice, FL, and Marcia Aemisegger (David) of Venice, FL; nieces, Barbara Schmidt (Kevin),and Kristin Zobel. Nephews, Tim Gross, Patrick Gross(Stacey), James Gross(Nicole), Robert Zobel, Joe Peterson (Regina) and David Peterson(MaryAnn); and many other nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Karen Odale, and his brother, George. Jim felt he was very blessed. He had a great life, a loving wife and little strife. He was fortunate to have lived in such a great country during the best of times. As Shakespeare said, ""Our life is like a flicker of a candle in an eternity of darkness."" So….Lights Out! I'll see you on the other side. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation be made to the Venice Area Historical Society to be used for the Circus Car Fund. Send to: Venice Area Historical Society, PO Box 995, Venice FL 34284 To share a memory of Jim or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.