MCFARLAND - One of the "good guys" left this earth on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. Loving husband, father and friend, James H. Zemlicka, age 70, died unexpectedly at his home in McFarland, leaving his family heartbroken.

Jim was a holiday baby born on Christmas Eve in 1952. He grew up during the carefree 50s, playing baseball in the summers and pestering his female classmates with snowballs during the winters. Jim was an exceptional athlete, graduating from La Follette High School in 1971. He attended UW-Stevens Point and had a 30-year career at Oscar Mayer, retiring in 2003. In retirement, Jim worked at the Yahara Hills Golf Course, mowing and cruising around in a golf cart with his border collie, Layla. Jim mowed and Layla chased geese - they were the perfect pair!

Jim married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jane Strassman, on Aug. 11, 1973. They were planning to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. Together they had two wonderful children, David and Jennifer. Jennifer was a Christmas baby, too, being born on Jim's 30th birthday!

Jim loved watching summer sunrises, fishing on Lake Waubesa and family camping trips to Wisconsin Dells. He took great pride in caring for his yard and loved to mow. He also loved feeding the birds and believed the squirrels needed to be fed, too. Jim often spent summer afternoons grilling ribs, listening to music and enjoying a good campfire.

Family was everything to Jim. He cherished fishing and camping trips with Dave and loved coaching and supporting Jen when she played high school and college sports. He adored his grandchildren Lincoln and Marlowe and was thrilled to be a grandpa.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Olive Zemlicka; and his beloved dogs, Reggie and Layla. He is survived by his wife, Jane; his son and best friend, David (Joy Kolodziejczyk); his daughter, Jennifer (Chris) Canty and their children Lincoln and Marlowe; his sisters, Susan (Art) Jordee and Linda Gordon; and his goddaughter, Becky (Travis) Lehn and their daughter, Olivia.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Lake Waubesa Conservation Association, Inc. (www.waubesa.org/). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

James Zemlicka

December 24, 1952 - February 02, 2023

Share photos of James