James Russell Reinke

MADISON – James R. Reinke, age 53, of Madison, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice after battling cancer on Saturday, July 8, 2017. He was better known as “Jimi” to his family and friends. Jimi graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Art. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. He donated many pieces of his artwork to local charity events: Chairs for Charity held at the Madison Art Center, Henry Vilas Zoo, Agrace Hospice Care, AIDS Resource Center of WI, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, New Harvest Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Wisconsin Public Television Auction, and the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center. Jimi is published in Erotic Art by Living Artists, 2nd edition.  He’ll always be remembered for his compassion and non-judgmental treatment of others, and his dedication to the LBGT community.  Jimi worked as an AIDS Prevention Specialist, for the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin. He played an important role in Dane County’s Drug Overdose Epidemic Initiative, receiving a Public Health Award in 2013.  Jimi has trained hundreds of people on ARCW Life point Fatal Overdose Prevention Program that teaches them how to administer the drug naloxone to safely reverse the effects of a heroin overdose.  Jimi’s dedication to educate drug users and the communities he serves about HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C prevention has saved many lives. Jimi will be missed greatly in Madison and the surrounding counties. His great work ethic was recognized at Woodman’s West where he also worked part-time for more than 10 years. Jimi was born on March 4, 1964, the son of Alden and Evelyn Reinke.  He is survived by his sisters, Judy (Bill) Saeman, Gerry (Ken) Meicher, Margie (John) Bollig, Carol (Don) Thornton, Alice (Steve) Endres, Mary (Gordon) Graham, Sharon (Thomas) Threinen and Kathleen (Michael) Bingham; and brothers, Steve (Judy) Reinke and David (Lois) Reinke and many nieces and nephews that shared closely in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peggy Reinke; grandparents, Mathias and Anna (Kalscheur) Ziegler; and Albert and Anna (Westphal) Reinke. A Celebration of his Life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 5pm-8pm.  A special thank you to UW Hospitals and Clinics, all of his doctors and nurses, Agrace Hospice and their staff, and to all the special people that shared in his life. Jimi, we love you and will miss your beautiful smile and infectious laugh. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.