James Richard Park
January 12, 1942 - September 10, 2021
Obituary
POYNETTE - James “Jim" R. Park, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 10, 2021.
He was born on January 12, 1942, in the Town of Radisson, WI, the son of James and Harriet (Lenz) Park. Jim enjoyed growing up in the Northwoods where he became an avid hunter, excelled at track, baseball, and basketball and earned the state title in the 100m dash and long jump in 1959.
After graduating from Glidden High School in 1960 he attended Ashland Teachers College, UW Superior and received his bachelor’s degree in education at UW Whitewater. He married his high school sweetheart Marguritte “Peggy” (McClaire) in 1962 and went on to spend the next 25+ years teaching English and coaching in the Waukesha, Glidden and Waunakee school districts.
Jim loved all outdoor activities, including hunting, boating, canoeing, snowmobiling and 4 wheeling. He was also a grilling expert. He was exceptionally gifted at using his hands, running his chainsaws, cutting loads of firewood, and creating things, especially walking canes, bird houses and carvings. He always had a way with words and had a quick wit and sense of humor that left everyone with a smile. Jim was quick to share a story and make everyone he met feel like a lifelong friend.
Jim is survived by his special friend, Viola "Holly" Schulze; his three sons, Shane (Rebecca Courtney), Scott (Janine), and Steven; his six grandchildren, Ciara, Claire, Carina, Shannon, Sheyenne Park and Annastasia Foley; three great grandchildren with a fourth on the way; two brothers, Robert (Kim) and Tom, and other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Peggy and Ann, and his sister, Judy Park.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, at 12 p.m., on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.
"Ketch ya on the trail."
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 South Main Street
(608) 592-3201
Events
Visitation
Sat Oct 2, 2021 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care • 157 S. Main St., Lodi, WI 53555
Memorial Service
Sat Oct 2, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM CDT
Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care • 157 S. Main St., Lodi, WI 53555
Photos
No photos of James have been shared yet.
Memories
SP
Scott Park
Other •
You were always the one who had a plan to do stuff and to make it happen ! May you ride on the wing of an Eagle and keep the spirit shining forward. Paddle slow on the Chippewa and say hello to Mom for us. We will miss you Dad and your way of doing things. Scott, Janine and the grand daughters
TE
Thomas Ender
Other •
My condolences to the Park family. Jim was an original and there was no one like him. He'll be missed by anyone who has been in his world. RIP JP. Tom Ender
BS
Brian and Sheila
Other •
Shane, Scott, Steven, and families, Unfortunately, we are unable to attend your Dad’s funeral service. Jim was a great and loyal friend. He and your mom, Peggy welcomed us when we first came to Glidden for my first teaching job. We have many good memories of those days. Jim was a great buck hunter, and he taught me much. He was a bit of a wild man and we loved him for that. Rest In Peace, Jim. Brian and Sheila
KT
Ken and Karen Thimm
Other •
To the Family of Jim: Remembering his athletic ability, one of the greats to graduate from GHS. Always a pleasure to visit with Jim a the park in Glidden. With deepest sympathy. Ken and Karen Thimm
LN
Liz Nechio
Other •
We are sorry for your loss. The stories I heard from my family about Jim were always the best. He was such a great guy to the Eder family and will be missed.
T
Tami
Other •
I'm sad to hear of Mr. Park's passing. He was my 5th grade teacher in Waunakee, and I really enjoyed his personality. He was super nice and funny! He also liked to pick on and get a rise out of me, so he called me by my middle name "Doreen" as soon as he heard it one day. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.