James Harold Schuetz

MIDDLETON - James Harold “Jim” Schuetz, age 76, of Middleton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at his home, following a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born a “Leap Year Baby” on February 29, 1948, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Harold and Evelyn (Sheehan) Schuetz. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Hempstead, New York.

Jim graduated from Chaminade High School in 1966 and went on to graduate from Marist College in May of 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. On July 31, 1971, he married Judith “Judy” McEnerney in Baldwin, N.Y. While living in New York, on December 7, 1972, they celebrated the birth of their first son, Jerold.

In 1975, Jim and Judy moved to Madison, Wis., and a couple of years later, found their lifelong home in Middleton, Wis. Jim was a dedicated public servant, with a nearly 40-year career with the State of Wisconsin (Social Security Administration - Disability Determination Services.) Jim had a personal connection with the agency’s mission, made many friends, and was known to deliver excellent training to the next generation of colleagues. He retired from Administration having served as a Section Chief.

While in Middleton, they welcomed the birth of their second son, Jeffrey, on December 9, 1977, and became parents for the third time to Jonathan on December 17, 1982.

Jim was engaged in his children’s activities and the Middleton community. He was an active volunteer with school PTAs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, coached recreational sports, was a member of the Optimist Club, and for many years was an active member of St. Bernard’s Parish. Jim very recently completed a multi-year term of service for the Middleton Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Committee, where he helped work on a vision of “Complete Streets” for the city, allowing safe access/use for all.

In January of 2006, Judy lost a lifelong battle with diabetes. This was certainly a difficult time for Jim and the family. After a few years, he met and fell in love with Rose Johnson. They were married on September 25, 2010, and the Schuetz Family welcomed Rose’s two adult daughters and families at that time.

During Jim’s years with children at home, he and Judy were very engaged in all their activities. Later, he found he and Rose shared a significant passion for traveling the world by both plane and numerous cruises. Jim and Rose made a point of sharing this passion with several trips with each of their children’s families, creating amazing lifelong memories for all. Jim’s organization of each moment over the course of family trips was often joked about. He was nicknamed “The Clipboard of Fun” because of this and took a great deal of pride in his title. Jim continued to be actively involved with and tremendously proud of the activities and achievements of his children and grandchildren. Jim had a great sense of humor and willingly shared advice and stories of family history. Even as he was struggling with his health, he was often found sending jokes and funny stories to his children and grandchildren. Whenever his health allowed, he made every effort to be a part of his family’s activities.  

For much of Jim’s post-retirement years, he could regularly be found on a golf course with either his sons or very good friend, Ed. Even after IPF robbed him of some of his physical abilities, he remained an active sports fan. He liked to tinker in the world of sports betting, but only did so for fun, and would brag about his bets usually being under $1. Although he lost the ability to play golf with him, he still very much looked forward to his weekly breakfasts with Ed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Rose; sister, Mary Jane; sons, Jerry (Jen), Jeff (Megan) and Jonathan (Lou); daughters, Wendy (Paul) and Haley (Justin); nine grandchildren, Colin, Maddy, Olivia, Ben, Dan, Harrison, Leo, Gracelin and Sam; and several nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith; his parents, Harold and Evelyn; parents-in-law, John and Louise McEnerney; brother, Richard; brothers-in-law, Dave Coakley and Roy McEnerney; and his nephew, John West.

A private family memorial service has been held. A celebration of life gathering for family and friends will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

Jim’s three sons and their families wish to express their utmost gratitude for the care that he received from his loving wife Rose, his sister Mary Jane, and the staff at Agrace Hospice and Supportive Care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s name to the IPF foundation. Donations may be made online at https://ipffoundation.org/donate/.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761