James Thomas McNamee

James T. McNamee, age 64, of Hayward, WI passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at his home.

James Thomas McNamee was born October 17, 1961, in Minneapolis, MN the son of Ernest “Irish” and Mary “Kathy” (Amireault) McNamee. He was raised in Bloomington, MN and attended Kennedy High School. In the 1990’s, Jim worked for Paisley Park on Prince’s stage set up crew and he operated The Jock Club and Mack’s in Mound, MN with his dad. Jim moved to Hayward, WI in 1996 and became the manager and subsequent owner and operator of Lost Land Lake Lodge. He then bartended and cooked at Ray Jay’s. On April 24, 2010, Jim was joined in marriage to Susan J. Boersma at Spider Lake Church in Hayward. Jim then operated Beer Bellies Bar and Grille until 2015. Recently, Jim was working in the Power Equipment Department of L&M Fleet Supply in Hayward. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed cooking, fishing, attending NASCAR races (going to Brickyard, Talladega, and Las Vegas) with family and friends, muscle cars, boating with his girls, deer and bird hunting, and various kinds of music. Most of all, Jim loved “his girls” and spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his generous heart, and the mischievous twinkle in his Irish eyes.

 Jim is survived by his wife, Sue; mother, Kathy McNamee; four daughters, Krystal (Jesse Milleson) McNamee, Hannah (Brody) Wood, Cassidy (Nolan Gay) Gould, and Riley Gould; siblings, Kim (Rick) Firkus, Karin (Mike Ostlie) Scott, Kristin McNamee; Jeni Welsch; brother-in-law, Todd Johnson; grandchildren, Raeannah Wood, Nash Wood and Kieler Milleson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill “Irish” McNamee and two sisters, Kelly McNamee-Johnson and Beth McNamee.

A memorial service will be held for Jim at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, at the Hayward Funeral Home with Pastor Wade Bishop officiating. A time of gathering with family and friends will be held from noon until 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left for Jim’s family at www.bratley-nelsonchapels.com . In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may direct tributes to the family.