James G. "Skip" Gould, age 88, of rural Bluffton, passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 3 2018, at his residence.

Skip was born on June 18, 1930, in Rockford, IL, to James G. Gould Sr. and Vera L. (Nelson) Gould.  He married Fern E. Putney in Brodhead, WI, on Apr. 2, 1949; she survives.

Alongside his wife, Skip farmed for many years in Southern Wisconsin.  During that time, he also drove semi-truck for Apco Manufacturing.  After selling the farm, Skip and Fern opened up their own ice cream shop, the "Tastee Creme" in Brodhead, WI, and owned and operated it for nine years, until they decided to retire and move to Wells County to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Skip was known by everyone as a handyman who could fix anything, especially anything mechanical.  He and Fern enjoyed camping, boating, fishing and traveling, having even wintered in Florida for 30 years.

In addition to his wife of almost 70 years, Skip is survived by three daughters, Connie E. Gould of Zanesville, and Carol A. Winters and Vicki L. (Gary) Hoffmaster, both of Bluffton; five grandchildren, Gari Lynn (Randy) Gillitzer, Danielle Pierson, Jameson (Ginger) Olson, Joshua Olson, Natalie Smith; 10 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.  Along with four sisters, Jeanne Scholes and Joan Hershey, both of Brodhead, WI, Athlyn Herzberg of Sun Prairie, WI, and Judith Gutshall of Evansville, WI.

Alongside his parents, Skip was preceded in death by a son, Robert James Gould; a grandson, Justin Hoffmaster; and a great-grandson, Jacob Olson.

Per Skip's request, there are no public services planned.  Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Skip's memory may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice.