James "Jim" Lee Muehlenbruch

James “Jim” Lee Muehlenbruch of Verona, WI, passed away unexpectedly at home on December 27, 2024, while doing what he loved; working in his workshop with his best friend. He was born on April 27, 1946, in Madison, WI, the son of Virgil and Bernice (Karsten) Muehlenbruch. Jim married Donna (Eschler) McCafferty in Elkhorn, WI. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1968 to 1971, while serving one year in Vietnam with the 826th Ordinance Company (ammo) as a heavy vehicle driver. He was a past VFW member.

Jim graduated from Middleton High School and attended Arizona State University for one year. After working at Nelson Tire in Madison, WI, he began an electrical apprenticeship. Jim worked for multiple contractors through IBEW Local 159. He went on to own/operate his own electrical business for 25 years before retiring.

Jim's love for the outdoors began by growing up with Lake Mendota out his front window, where he fell in love with water skiing. The summers were spent with friends on the water. His passion continued as Jim performed in water ski shows and tours with the Tommy Bartlett Show. He had fun from later owning one of the Bartlett ski boats. He helped found the Madison Ski Club.

Jim cherished camping trips with his wife and family where he cooked over the fire, made spaghetti for the group, told stories, laughed, drank beer and taught the kids how to water ski. He was an avid trap shooter at the Stoughton Gun Club and enjoyed Monte's golf league in Verona. Jim loved pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota with his dog and buddies. He always looked forward to deer hunting trips in Black River Falls with Donna, family and friends. He liked snowplowing to help friends. Jim was a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Madison for many years.

Woodworking was another of Jim’s favorite pastimes. He built countless handcrafted projects for his wife, friends, and grandchildren. He was a woodworking leader for the 4H Fireballs. Jim loved working on vehicles and had plans to rebuild his 1980 Jeep. His hobbies also included grilling and cheering for the Badgers and Packers. They loved sharing their season UW hockey tickets. For 24 years Jim and Donna had dinner every Friday with dear friends. Jim enjoyed action and country western movies, listening to 1950s and 1960s music, and classic country songs wherever he was. He loved to travel with Donna, sharing many trips together, sometimes with their camper or motorcycles. He was especially proud of the house addition he designed and built for her, with help from family and friends. Jim was very knowledgeable in the trades and had many talents.

Jim had a powerful work ethic and always went beyond. He strived for perfection in his work and had a drive for working and playing hard. He was always willing to help by sharing his expertise when family or friends called for advice. Jim took great pleasure being with his best friend, Scott, spending hours working and relaxing in the “shop”. They shared special times together that Jim treasured. Breakfast at his favorite restaurant with friends was a cherished daily ritual. He had a fun sense of humor, a deep love for his family, and an unbreakable bond with pets, some rescued from neglect. Jim loved the evening times and quiet moments with Donna. He was devoted to always making her life a little better.

Jim’s perseverance and ingenuity inspired those closest to him. Despite living with mobility limitations and constant daily pain for 20+ years, he amazed everyone with his ability to accomplish anything he set his mind to. He was an independent, proud man, and didn't complain of pain nor did it prevent him from doing the things he wanted to do. He gave life his all. Jim will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Donna; daughter by love, Pam Rogers (John Bialk); his children, Joie (Stefany) Muehlenbruch and Jill (Josh) Garant, and their mother Jean Muehlemann; grandchildren Chelsea, Emma, Jesalyn, Jaxyn, MyKenzie, Ayden; godson, Beau Whelan; special family Frank and Barb Eschler and family, Diane and Gary Paskey and family, and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life with full military honors (around 2pm) will be held at the Verona American Legion Post 385, 207 Legion Street, Verona, on Sunday, February 2, from 1 to 4 pm.

Please share your memories of Jim here on his Tribute Wall.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

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