James “Jim” G. Killian
James “Jim” G. Killian, 86, of Fountain City, passed away May 3, 2025, after a short battle with T-cell lymphoma. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
James was born in Arcadia, to Gertrude and Ed Killian. He grew up working on the family farm and excelling in athletics—playing golf, basketball, baseball and most notably football, where he was part of Arcadia High School team’s 35-game winning streak. Jim went on to play at UW-La Crosse, where he captained championship teams and achieved Little All-American status. He also played all four years on the golf team. In 2000, Jim was inducted into the UW-La Crosse Athletic Hall of Fame.
After earning a chemistry degree, Jim married his long-time love, Doris Kamla, in 1961, and began a career at Dow Chemical in Midland, MI. Shortly thereafter, military service took Jim and Doris to Olympia WA, with the 32nd Division, Wisconsin National Guard before they returned to Fountain City to raise their family. Jim spent 37 years with Fiberite/Cytec-Rogers Corp. in Winona, MN, rising from chemist to executive leadership.
Jim was a lifelong athlete, running marathons and various road races, culminating with his participation in the Boston Marathon. He also competed in cross-country ski races and biked in the Fire House 50 race for 25 consecutive years—always alongside his sons, brother, nephew, and friends. For a decade, he also served as a football referee, bringing his love for the game full circle. Golf was his all-time favorite, a game that both Jim and Doris were passionate about. During the season, you could find Jim at the golf course, playing a “quick 9”, 18 holes, or on the putting green. For almost two decades, Jim and Doris hosted the Killian Classic Golf & Tennis Tournament, supporting Winona State University’s athletic programs.
Jim was active in his community—a longstanding member of the Fountain City Lions Club, a weekly volunteer at his church, and a past board member of C-FC high school, the Winona YMCA and Winona Health. Jim was a proud and loving family man who had a great sense of humor, a kind heart, and a joy for life that touched everyone around him.
Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris; daughter, Fran (Ben); sons: Paul (Peggy) and Thomas; grandchildren: Zach, Matt, Ava, and Andrew; brothers: Wayne (Sally) and Charles (Mary); and brother-in-law, Lou; and many extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kay; and daughter-in-law, Tyler.
A visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home in Winona, MN. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation preceding at 10:00 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Church in Fountain City.
Following the funeral, the family will proceed to Calvary Cemetery in Arcadia, for the burial. A reception is to follow at 2:00 p.m., at The Bridges Golf Course in Winona, MN. The family encourages everyone to attend, share memories and celebrate Jim!
Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory, Winona, MN; www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.
