James "Jim" H Underkofler

James “Jim” H. Underkofler, 77, passed away on October 22, 2024, at Edgerton Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born on September 13, 1947, to James R and Dorothy A. Underkofler.

Jim loved in the Madison area most of his life, but also spend time in California where his son lived. He loved music and was a member of the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Crops. In high school he was lead singer for a local rock and bank, The Rogues. He also participated in school theater productions. Family members spoke fondly of his role as Puck in a Midsummer Night’s Dream

He attended UW-Madison briefly before making his way to California, where he became a hippie. What started as a carefree lifestyle led to years of addiction. People close to him worried he would never stop using alcohol and drugs. He was proud that he provided child support throughout. Despite many, many stumbles, he became clean and sober in Wisconsin in the 1980s. He was certified as a Wisconsin AODA (Alcohol and other Drug) counselor. He applied the skill he had learned as we worked with a variety of offenders and those with alcohol and drug problems. He was personable, kind, and unpretentious. He had eclectic interests.

Survivors include Susan, his loving wife of 27 years, his son Dylan (of Jim and Mother Carol Woodworth) and wife, Aliana; grandsons Henry and Samuel; brothers Tom (Lynn), Craig and Kevin; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy; sister Cindy (Mabie); Father, James R.; and stepmother, Dorie.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service for Jim at Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road in Madison on Thursday November 7th, 2024. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served afterwards.

The family would like to thank Agrace Palliative Care and Hospice staff along with Edgerton Hospital staff for their compassionate care of Jim. If you wish you may donate in Jim’s name to Agrace or the Internation Crane Society.