James Crowley Jr.

James “Jim” W. Crowley Jr, Ph.D., age 71 of Madison WI passed away on February 17, 2022 at Agrace Hospice. He was born on July 11, 1950 in Madison WI the son of James Sr. and Katharine (Sumner). He married Diann (Rehwinkel) Schuette on November 1, 1991 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jim grew up on the near west side attending Randall Elementary, West High School and then graduating in 1978 from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a PHD in Veterinary Sciences. He taught at the UW for one year before moving to the private sector as a technical consultant working with feed companies including Continental Grain Wayne Feeds Division, Cargill, Hubbard Feeds and Big Gain.

Jim was a member of AGR fraternity. He also served as World Dairy Expo Dairy Superintendent since 2011 and Brown Swiss Superintendent from 1981-2011. He was regarded as one of the top WDE historians maybe because of his amazing memory or maybe due to his late-night manure shoveling there as a young man at the request of his father who was the Dairy Cattle Superintendent. Jim was also an active member of WALSAA for most of his life. The fire ups were a great success due to his involvement.  He also sat on the selection committee for the Jingles O'Brien Scholarship Fund benefiting youth hockey.

In addition to Diann, the great love of this life was Lake Waubesa where his Dad, Doc Jim, built a cottage with Jim and friends from the Ag graduate school. If you couldn’t find him at the cottage your next best bet would have been Camp Madison in Port Wing Wisconsin. His “Garden of Eden” where he went on Father’s Day weekend each year. In more recent years he faithfully attended the Testicle Festival. You read that right.

Jim is survived by his wife Diann, his stepchildren Derek (Kim) Schuette and Danita (Gary) Lehnherr. Grandkids Thomas & Katherine Schuette, Carson & Rowan Lehnherr. His sister-in-law Linda Crowley. Niece Elissa (Kristopher) Koroch and his nephew Lucas Crowley.  Numerous family members and friends in Kentucky, Wisconsin and beyond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rick and his grandson Cole Lehnherr.

If you are reading this because you knew Jim, there won’t be any formal funeral service. It’s not what he wanted. He wanted to celebrate – each and every day to the very end. There will be a celebration of life at the Green Lantern Restaurant at 4412 Siggelkow Road, McFarland WI on March 19th from 1:00-5:00 pm where we will toast and tell stories of his life as he deserved. There will be a private burial at a later date at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Gifts may be made to the James Crowley Sr Dairy Management and Extension Fund at the University of Wisconsin Foundation. Please make memorial gifts payable to UW Foundation – Crowley Dairy Fund and mail them to the following address: UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee WI 53728. Alternatively go to supportuw.org/giveto/crowleyfund to make an online gift.

Jim left a couple of notes for us but the favorite that really sinks in deep was:

Remember me with memories, smiles and laughter because that is how I will remember you.

If there’s bitterness or tears don’t remember me.

CNN Crowley signing out

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