James "Bill" William Jardine

James "Bill" William Jardine, age 78, of Mondovi, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with his family by his side. Bill fought a long, courageous battle with cancer with unwavering hope.

Bill was born on August 17, 1948, in Nebraska to Harry H. Sr. and Dorothy M. Jardine. Raised on the family farm, he developed a deep love for the land early in life, returning to farming later in his adult years. Bill graduated from Mondovi High School and married Nancy (Knudtson) Jardine in 1968, with whom he shared three children. They later separated. Later in life, Bill shared many years with his long time significant other Rose Ottum.

Throughout his life, Bill was known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Over the years, he worked building silos, served in the maintenance department for Sara Lee, worked as a maintenance supervisor at Ashley Furniture, and ran his own snow plowing business for many years.

A true craftsman, tinkerer, and professional treasure hunter, Bill was always excited to come across a good deal. He had a lifelong passion for old cars, collecting them, working to restore them to driving condition, and traveling to car shows with his friends.

After retirement, Bill could almost always be found in his garage, a favorite local gathering spot always filled with laughter and good company. Whether he was hosting "ladies' aid" all day or creating whatever his imagination could dream up, his workshop was the heart of his daily routine. He also loved playing cards with the guys, spending countless hours enjoying a good hand both at his own garage and over at Bauer's Garage.

Bill is survived by his children, Deneise (late Ronald) Yarrington, Laura (La Marr) Hawkins, and James Jr. (Kathy) Jardine; Nancy Jardine; as well as 14 cherished grandchildren, Cody, Casey, Shonnice, Paige, Charlie, La Marria, Jazzmine, Julia, James III, Emma Pearl, Hayden, Izaak, Raven, and Jamie. He is further survived by Rose Ottum, and her children, Timothy (Christy) Ottum and Angela (Vern) Cooley; his sisters, Bonnie Lingenfelter-Faucher, Carolyn Garland, and Dorothy "Dottie" Jardine; his brother-in-law, Jim Hanestad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Sr. and Dorothy (Sesler) Jardine; his grandparents; his brother, Harry Jardine Jr.; his sisters, Shirley and Edward Dover and Lynette Hanestad; his daughter, Wendy Hageness; his son-in-law, Ronald Yarrington; brother-in-law Merlon Lingenfelter; and extended family members Milford and Virginia Knudtson, Harold Knudtson, James and Mary Jane Knudtson, William Knudtson, Allen Kirschner, and Edward Kirschner.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rucker of Durand, WI, and the St. Croix Hospice team, especially Mykah and Tessa ("The Fisherman"), for their extraordinary care and compassionate support during his battle.

Friends and family are invited to gather at Bill's garage on South Eau Claire St. at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 16, 2026, for the funeral procession. Committal services officiated by Gary Preston will take place at 11:00 AM at Naples Cemetery, Town of Naples. A Celebration of Life will follow from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the American Legion Hall in Gilmanton, Wisconsin. Talbot Family Funeral Homes-Scenic Rivers Cremation Center, Mondovi assisted the family.