James T. ‘Andy’ Devine

Heaven became a little more Irish as it welcomed James T. “Andy” (Big Apps) Devine, 94, on November 21, 2023. Andy was born in Milwaukee to Charlotte Patricia (nee Gerathy) and James T. “Jimmy” Devine, on August 24, 1929.

When Andy was a toddler, the family moved to Madison where he attended Blessed Sacrament grade school, Edgewood High School, and the University of Wisconsin. Andy excelled in every sport he participated in, earning All-City honors in football at Edgewood. He was an All-City doubles tennis champ and State Speedskating Champion. He was a member of the UW Badger freshman football team until an injury ended his football pursuits. Also, at UW he was a member of the UW club hockey team that won the All-University Tournament in 1951. He worked as a lifeguard at the UW Union pier on Lake Mendota and on the rescue boat. Also, while at the UW, he was a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and took joy in singing the Phi Delta songs.

Andy had the luck of the Irish when he won a coin toss for a dance with an East Hish gal and his future wife, “Shirley Ann Ballam,” … the apple of his eye. They were married in 1951 at Blessed Sacrament.

Soon after, Andy left his bride and new-born son to serve his country in the Korean War, earning the Bronze Star. 

Upon his return from Korea, he worked for The Miller Brewery Company, then, with his natural aptitude for numbers and gift of gab, started a long successful real estate career as a campus landlord and land developer with close friends and business partners along with their ownership of several businesses. During this time, Andy served his community as an alder of the 13th ward and worked to preserve Lake Wingra, as a motorless lake. In addition, he sponsored a resolution for Madison to purchase the Hartmeyer Ice Arena. He further served on the Madison Parks Commission, which oversaw the development and construction of many of Madison’s outdoor ice rinks and chaired the committee that helped convince the Dane County Board to construct an indoor hockey rink in the building next to the Coliseum.

Andy’s involvement in the Madison sporting community was a huge part of his life as parent, coach, and leader: President of West Side Little League, West Flyer’s Hockey, and the Madison Speed Skating Club where he hosted Madison’s first National Indoor Speed Skating Championships; one of the founders of the Greater Dane County Youth Hockey Council, serving as president; inaugurated the Madison Midget hockey Team, and subsequently became manager and chairman of Madison’s first National Peewee Hockey Tournament. 

A founding member of the Badger Men’s Hockey Blue Line Club, Andy received its award for distinguished service in promoting hockey and extraordinary leadership. The Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame inducted Andy in 2006. 

Andy participated at the national level as assistant manager for the 1976 U.S. Olympic Hockey team under “Badger Bob” Johnson and then served as the manager for the Central Hockey Team that competed in the National Sports Festival in 1978 and 1979. Andy helped conduct tryouts for the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” gold medal Olympic hockey team. As if this were not enough, Andy supported his nine children in their endeavors, especially of course in sport.

Andy and Shirley enjoyed 62 years together partly because Andy knew to say, “Yes Tootles,” (his nickname for Shirley). They were blessed with nine children, some say to beat out his Irish Catholic cohorts.

Providing for his family is what Andy put above all else and they did not go without. At his and Shirley’s home all were welcome and for many of their children’s friends it became their home away from home.

During retirement years, Andy treasured his time with Shirley spending winters in Sarasota, Fla., and summers spent at the family’s cottage in northern Wisconsin with many visits from children, grandchildren, and friends. Andy was a generous man who gladly and quietly gave to many charities, and organizations. He volunteered for the American Heart Association. He was active in the Elks Club, the Kieanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Also, Andy enjoyed his membership and friends at the Madison postcard club. He was thrilled to participate in the Badger Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Andy was a great friend and enjoyed many lifelong friendships ... he was a true Irish man with a quick wit, telling stories or a joke that got you wearing an Irish smile.

Andy is survived by his eight children: James Devine, Ann (Dan) Davidson, Kathy (Rick) Devine, Mary Devine, Tim Devine, Pat (Tesa) Devine, Colleen (Dennis) Koch, and A.J. “Andy” (Sandy) Devine. Andy is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Andrea (Adam) Kling, Bart (Lisa) Davidson, Danielle (Tyler) Norsted, Cris Winner, Max Devine, Alison (Ben) Speiker, Ben Devine, Emily Devine, Nicholas Devine, Michael Devine, Jessica Koch, Melissa Koch; five great grandchildren: Kalissa Kling, Alivia Kling, Solveig Norsted, Dylan Davidson, and Bridger Davidson. Andy is further survived by his sister, Suzanne Moore, and sister-in-law Lari Dhein in addition to many nieces and nephews. 

Andy was preceded in death by his devoted wife Shirley, son Thomas, his parents, his sister Patricia, and her husband John Cleveland; his brother-in-law Jim Moore, and his mother-in-law Grace Ballam. Now all reunited, Andy’s Irish eyes are surely smiling as bright as a sparkling emerald on St. Patrick’s Day.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday December 4, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2116 Hollister Ave., Madison, with Father Andrew McAlpin, O.P., officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. All are welcome to a luncheon served in the church friary after the Mass. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery with military honors. 

Donations can be made to the Education Endowment Fund for Blessed Sacrament Parish School, Edgewood High School, or the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Wisconsin. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Attic Angels — in particular, Toshi — and the caring staff at Agrace Hospice.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. 

We love you dad, forever.