James Jung

MADISON - James Alan Jung, age 78, passed away in Madison on January 18, 2017 at Agrace HospiceCare, after a long illness. He was born in Neenah, Wisconsin, on February 6, 1938 to Al Jung and Hazel (Kuthe) Jung.

Jim was a graduate of UW-Madison where he early on made quite a name for himself by openly and vigorously opposing mandatory ROTC, then a requirement for every freshman and sophomore male in school. He insisted that it was a rule based on a faulty premise which, it turned out later, was correct. Jim did go on to serve in the military after graduation. When he returned he became executive secretary of the state's Higher Education Aids Board (HEAB) which he later reorganized as the Wisconsin Higher Education Corporation, now known as the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation. His goal was always to get the best loan rates for students and fair pay for his workers. He remained politically engaged throughout his life.

His wit and unusual insights will be missed by his friends and former colleagues in Wisconsin government. Where other people have hobbies such as fishing or woodworking, Jim's love was debate and philosophical discussion, and getting his friend Dave Zweifel to "do a column" on his current issue. He had more people visiting him in his period of decline than does the average Joe.

Jim was a guiding spirit of Albion Swords Ltd in New Glarus, Wisconsin. He loved art, theater, classic films, and music ranging from Beethoven to klezmer to New Orleans Jazz and classical music up to, but rarely including, the 20th century.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert. He is survived by his former wife Judy Zitske, former sister-in-law Sandra Jung of Texas, his niece Pierrette (William) Pflueger and their son William Pflueger, of Pennsylvania. A memorial gathering will be held in spring, when his family is able to attend. Gifts honoring Jim may be made to an organization of the donor's choice.

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Goldrosen, Jim's health aide Jess Powell, and the attending staff at Meriter Hospital and Agrace HospiceCare for easing his journey to whatever may lie beyond.

Jim was a good man and wanted to change the world for the better. The lesson for us is, "Every life is an experiment and Jim's has much to teach us."

Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
608-238-3434