Atty. James C. Sarafiny, 70, of the town of Erin, passed away on Friday, Dec. 21, 2001, at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born Jan. 26, 1931, in Iron River, Mich., to the late Albert and Rose (nee Golas) Sarafiny, and married Ione Mason on Aug. 3, 1979 in Hartford.

Jim served his country in the U.S. Marines, serving 13 months during the Korean Conflict where he entered as a tech sergeant and left as a second lieutenant. He was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant on Sept. 16, 1955.

He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin and his law degree in August, 1960. He was admitted to the State of Wisconsin Bar on April 4, 1961.

Jim came to Hartford in 1962 and became a partner in the Amidon, Smith and Sarafiny Law Office. He entered his own private practice in August of 1996 where he practiced until the time of his death.

Jim was a member of the Marine Corps Tankers Association, the Courtney-Carr-Milner American Legion Post #19, and was commander in 1962. He served as judge advocate of the Washington County American Legion and Courtney-Carr-Milner American Legion from 1999 to the present.

Jim was a past president of the Washington County Bar Association and a member of the Wisconsin State Bar.

He was a life member of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association, and other memberships included the Pike Lake Sportsman Club, past president of the Hartford Rotary Club, Hartford Hospital Board for nine years and chairman of the Board for two years, and the town of Erin Veterans Memorial Committee.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Jane Sarafiny and Elizabeth (Monte Raker) Sarafiny, both of Madison, and Margaret (Thom Engles) Sarafiny of Belgrade, Mont.; a son, Joseph Frederick III (Julie) Milner of Waukesha; two grandchildren, Emily Rose Milner and Joseph Frederick Milner IV; his mother-in-law, Mabel Mason of Hartford; his former wife, Gloria Babbit of Madison; other relatives and friends.

Military funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26, at the Shimon Funeral Home, Hartford.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are appreciated and will be given to numerous charities and organizations on behalf of the Sarafiny family.

A special thanks to a superb lady, Carolyn Emmer, Jim's legal secretary for 29 years. Her friendship, dedication, support and knowledge are deeply appreciated by the Sarafiny family and Mabel Mason.