James Parker Tout, 74, of Eau Claire died Sunday, July 16, 2006, at Luther Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Buffalo, New York on July 6, 1932, the son of Harold and Catherine (Zugger) Tout. Following his education at Holy Ghost Fathers Seminary, Jim served as a missionary in Tanzania, Africa. After returning to the United States and earning his Masters Degree, Jim married Ann Hendrickson of Barron, WI in New York, NY. They lived in Watertown and Black River, NY, and moved to Eau Claire in 1978. Jim's family and friends knew him as a writer, photographer, poet and philosopher. He held a variety of jobs including, most recently, his work in career services for Experience Works and for the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association where he also served on its Board of Directors. An Irish tenor, Jim's beautiful voice warmed the hearts of those who heard him sing at church and at other family and community events. As a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church for over 25 years, Jim participated in the choir and served as a Cantor. He performed as an actor and singer in numerous productions with the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild and other local theater groups. Jim also loved the written word and surrounded himself with an eclectic selection of books obtained on his weekly trips to the library. In recent years, writing became Jim's passion. He devoted mornings to his quiet office retreat where he authored two novels, many short stories and hundreds of poems. Jim found great pleasure in time spent with his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his companion and soul mate, Toni Gohla; two daughters, Kristin (Israel) Tout-Nava and Kathryn (Kevin Wickman) Tout both of Plymouth, MN, and their mother Ann Tout of Eau Claire; grandchildren Isabelle, Annelise, Elena, and Carson James; brother, Frank (Mary) Tout of Cumberland, RI; sister, Catherine Terzian of St. Petersburg, FL; sister-in-law, Jean Tout of Buffalo, NY; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Tout; an infant sister; and other cousins, aunts and uncles, including his beloved Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jimmy Lopus. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday July 20, 2006, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father William A. Dhein officiating. Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church. There will be a public prayer service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to Friends of L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire, WI, 54701-3715.

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