James Gagnon

James Michael Gagnon, 71, died Friday, November 14, 2025 at American Lutheran Home in Mondovi.  His last year of life contained numerous challenges related to heart failure, which he faced with courage. 

Jim was born on April 18, 1954 in Eau Claire to the late James and Monica Gagnon and was the first of eight children. He married Paula Phillips in 1981and they later divorced. Three children were born into their marriage. Jim remained a lifelong resident of Eau Claire.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman for most of his life. He was also a zealous Packers fan.

His sports career began with high school football at Regis in Eau Claire, followed by college at River Falls where he was a standout. While in college, he was contacted by Cornell Green, recruiter for the Dallas Cowboys, who said Jim reminded him of Randy White. He was also recruited by both the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings. Jim signed as a free agent with the Seahawks to play defensive end. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended his career. 

Not one to fade into obscurity, he turned to power lifting. He became a five-time Wisconsin champion in 1985, setting a record total of three lifts totaling 2065 pounds, including a squat record of 814 pounds in Madison. This brought him to the attention of professional wrestling, and he was recruited by both Verne Gagne and Eddie Sharkey. Jim chose Eddie Sharkey, known for discovering and mentoring some of the biggest professional wrestling stars of the 1980s. Jim became known as the Pillars of Power and was a local celebrity; he was a frequent guest on Peter Murphy's "Party Line" talk radio program and his undertakings were regularly followed in Ron Buckli's "Buckshot" newspaper column. He wrestled in Canada and Germany with colleagues that included Andre the Giant, Baron von Raschke, and Mad Dog Vachon. During this time Jim was also employed at Hibernia Brewery as a regional manager. 

Jim established Pillar marketing, an advertising and marketing business that sold ad spaces on plastic telephone book covers in the Chippewa Valley. As personable as Jim was, he naturally excelled at sales. 

The advent of cell phones prompted Jim to start a new business venture. He created his own wrestling league, All American Wrestling (A.A.W), at a time when professional wrestling was the nation's number one spectator sport. He operated a training facility in Banbury Place in Eau Claire and conducted regular public matches. Those performances drew fans from all walks of life and were known for their special effects, creative story lines, and for being family friendly.

Jim sold the wrestling business and launched his final venture as a tavern owner. Big Jim's Sports Bar in Fall Creek was featured in the PBS documentary entitled, "Bottoms Up: A Toast to Wisconsin's Historic Bars and Restaurants."  He sold the bar in 2018 and welcomed retirement. 

Jim is survived by his significant other, Sherri Olson; daughter, Kelly Hedensten (Josh) of Coon Rapids, MN; grandchildren Lilyana, Daisy, Lokin and Analiza; sister, Mary Ellen Gagnon of Poynette; and by brothers Paul of CA, Peter (Juanita) of UT, Michael (Jenn) of AZ, and Patrick (Sandy) of Fall Creek. He is also survived by three nieces and five nephews, as well as many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jesse, daughter Traci, and by brothers Robert and David. 

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Church, 1712 Highland Avenue., Eau Claire, with Father Francis Thadathil officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire. 

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.