James Rodney Stickels
February 01, 1947 - January 03, 2016
Obituary
STICKELS, JAMES R.
MADISON-Jim Stickels, age 68, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Agrace Hospice Care after a brief illness. He was born in California on February 1, 1947 to Jack R. and Trymby A. (Calhoun) Stickels. Jim was a graduate of LaFollette H.S and UW-Madison, earning a Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction. He worked as a fund development manager at Wisconsin Literacy and was a dedicated instructor at Madison Area Technical College for over 25 years, where he taught math and English. For many years he was Asst Director of the Eastside YMCA, and helped to run the Atwood Community Center and NE Coalition of Older Adults. He was also a tireless volunteer for many organizations, including Blooming Grove Historical Society, E. Madison Kiwanis Club, AARP, and Waunona Neighborhood Center. He also served on the Board of the African Association of Madison where he made many friends. He was beloved by all for his wonderful smile, kindness and compassion to others. Jim touched many lives as he was a lifelong activist on behalf of the Madison community, helping youth, the elderly and the underprivileged. He was always available to assist a friend or organize an activity. In his youth he was known for his athletic endeavors in football, wrestling and swimming as well as being the recipient of multiple awards for his academic achievements. He learned to sail from his dad and raced E boats with his father and brothers in numerous regattas held on Lake Mendota. He was an avid reader and liked listening to Public TV and radio broadcasts about events around the world. He also loved spending time with his wife, family and friends. A humble and gentle man, he will be sorely and deeply missed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lydia, and her daughter, Nina Koroma, son, Jonathan R. Stickels, brothers, Kevin (Linda) Stickels, David Stickels and sister, Tina Freund (Alan) and many nieces and nephews, including Paul (Lea) and Brett Stickels, Sara (Chris) Aviles, Kristen, Jenna and Erica Freund, Laura (Rob) Godfrey and Amy Stickels. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 8, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Gunderson Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison. Services will be held on Saturday, January 9, at 11:00 a.m., at Lake Edge United Church of Christ, 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison. Interment at Roselawn Memorial Park, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Fri Jan 8, 2016 @ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Sat Jan 9, 2016 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Lake Edge United Church of Christ (Madison) • 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Sat Jan 9, 2016 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Lake Edge United Church of Christ (Madison) • 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
S
Sandy
Other •
To the family of Jim, my heart goes out to you.
As a class mate, I always knew that he was one of the Good Guys
Exceptionally so.
Sandy Johnson Hurley
SS
Steve Sparks
Other •
Jim was an amazing man--just the perfect blend of accomplishment, insight, and compassion. He was unwavering as an advocate for those less fortunate and considered everyone his equal. I've only known him for 2 years, but in that time have come to greatly admire him and recognize what an impact he has made on the lives of those around him. He was always willing to help and open to new ideas. I couldn't have asked for a better co-worker and will miss him every day. - Steve Sparks
MH
Marcy Heim
Other •
I had the privilege of working with Jim closely with a development conference. While I had always recognized he was talented and dedicated, it was during our work together for the conference that I really took in the depth of his caring, energy and compassion for those around him. He sincerely embraced an abundant mindset and his goal was for everyone to have a chance to experience success and joy in their lives. It was just a joy to be a part of anything he was a part of and I will deeply miss him. My love to his family, and my thanks for sharing such an incredible human being with us all.
JC
Julie Cherney
Other •
Jim was such a lovely, kind, and warm-hearted person. He was very dedicated to his students and a real pleasure to work with. My sympathy goes out to his family for this sudden and tragic loss.
JR
John Raasoch
Other •
Jim and I were really close in HS. I had really lost touch with him recently & it was great to see him this summer at the reunion.
We had one”incident" in wrestling practice when I believe it was him that bit me in the head requiring stitches - it was an accident, Jim would never deliberately hurt anybody!
I also remember when he was working at the Y and saved a kid from drowning. It got written up in the paper & he refused to be called a “hero” - which he was.
Definitely a very humble and noble person.
What a shock and tragedy.
John Raasoch
JM
Janice Mettauer
Other •
I have worked with Jim for the past five years at Madison Area Technical College. I assigned Jim to teach classes each semester. He was one of the instructors I could put on any assignment because I knew that his students would prosper from his dedication and loving support and that he would develop professional and caring relationships with his colleagues. He was one of our most cherished faculty members, and his School of Academic Advancement family is reeling from this sudden and tragic loss. I valued Jim so much for all of his decent qualities and will begin this Spring semester with a sense of true loss. Thank you, Jim, for all you did for the last 25 years for your students and for the School. I will miss you. Janice Mettauer