James Martin "Jim" Kjelland

James Martin Kjelland, age 76, of Madison, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Agrace Hospice, Madison, WI. Jim was born in Monroe, WI to George and Lois (Kratz) Kjelland on September 26, 1948.

Jim attended schools in Genoa, IL and Brodhead, WI, graduating in 1966 from Brodhead High School. His younger years were spent golfing, which became a lifelong passion. Jim grew to love fishing, especially at Gibbs Lake where his dad taught him and his brothers to fish as young children.

Jim was surrounded with a variety of music at home. Once he picked up the trumpet and after joining the school band, he was set on a path that would shape his lifelong career. After graduating High School, Jim went on to receive his bachelor's degree in music education from UW Madison, WI. 

During his service in the National Guard, Jim and his trumpet comrades became close, lifelong friends having performed together in the Guard band. He had the pleasure of teaching instrumental music in Middleton, WI. From there he joined the University of Southern California in 1977, as associate professor of music education and director of string development. During a leave of absence from USC he received his PhD from the University of Texas, Austin.

In 1984 he became director of orchestras and coordinator of strings at California's Colburn School of Performing Arts. In 1991 he became associate professor of music education, University of North Texas in Denton, TX. Jim later accepted a teaching position at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, and he was happy to be closer to family. 

Jim served as guest conductor at Allstate and Regional Honors orchestras across the country and as a summer string workshop instructor at University of WI, Ohio State University, and University of California, Los Angeles. He gained national acclaim for his in-service clinics and workshops in string pedagogy and orchestra development. He was an editorial board member for the council for research in music education and the American String Teachers Association. 

Jim wrote and published Orchestral Bowing, Style and Function. He also co-authored many other books, including: Strictly Strings (the comprehensive string class method books), Teaching Stringed Instruments (a course of study), and the three volume Teaching Music Through Performance in Orchestra.

Jim will be deeply missed by his sisters Kristin (Kjelland) Klemme (Chuck) of Plymouth WI and Janet Kjelland of Madison WI. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his brothers David Kjelland and George Kjelland Jr.

Jim is further survived by his special nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly – Eric Kjelland, David Kjelland Jr. (Michelle) and Kristin (Kjelland) Vogt (Terry); Tashana, Paul and Andrew Kjelland; Aaron Klemme, Benson Klemme (Jessica Schwartz), Beth (Klemme) Desjardin (Mark), and Laura (Klemme) Rooker (Justin) - along with many great-nieces and nephews: Erin Grunzel (children: Jaxxon and Finley), Emma and Jacob Vogt; Bryson, Emily and Trevor Kjelland; Adelyn Kjelland; Marlie and McCartney Klemme and Hunter Schwartz; Emma and Jude Desjardin; Paige, Leanna and Sydney Rooker; also Jim’s “adopted nephews” John, Peter and Adam Antonuk. In addition, Jim will be dearly missed by his dear friend and former wife, Cheryl Redman, and his many beloved cousins, friends and colleagues from around the country. How could we possibly mention all of you individually? Please know how Jim loved you. 

A special thank you to Dr. Dusty Deming, Jim's skilled oncologist, along with the nursing staff at Carbone Cancer Center, UW Madison. Another special thanks to the Agrace Hospice team for their kind and compassionate care of Jim up to his passing. 

 A memorial fund has been established in Jim's name and a "Celebration of Life" will be held at a later date.

 Jim’s last words reflected his desire to be able to say “goodbye” with love to you all.

“From now on, please, no sadness, only gratitude and reflection of the good life I’ve had.” ~ Jim Kjelland

 Please share your memories of Jim by posting in his guestbook at: www.CressFuneralService.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406