MADISON - James W. Schuhart, age 88, of Madison, was called home to his Lord on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023. He was born in Oshkosh on Nov. 26, 1935, to parents, Alvin and Doris (Schram) Schuhart. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1953. He met the love of his life, Elissa I. Schein, before they entered high school, and they married years later, on Aug. 25, 1956. James was baptized, confirmed, and married at Martin Luther Church in Oshkosh.

James “Jim” began his career in the print industry at Miles Kimball and later Castle Pierce in Oshkosh. The couple had three children and moved their young family to Madison in 1964, to further his career in the print industry with Widen Engraving. After a couple of additional print shops, Jim retired from the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Section of Prison Industries, Columbia Correctional Printing in July 2001.

Jim was a member of the National Printer’s Union and an officer in the Local Printer’s Union. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard, 32nd Infantry, Red Arrow Division, and was stationed at Fort Lewis during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 501 and spent much of his early retirement time working on “projects at the post,” as well as on fundraisers. He was a member of the former East Side Businessmen's Association in Madison. He loved watching the Green Bay Packers, and was a season ticket holder.

Family and friends meant the world to Jim. A large gathering outdoors…at home or at the cabin with good food, cold beer (vitamin P), stories and bad jokes, that is what he loved.

Jim liked to fish and hunt, and loved building projects. He helped his father-in-law build a paddlewheel houseboat and was a member of the Oshkosh Paddle Wheel Association. Jim helped his sons with various construction and renovation projects. He built a cabin on his beloved “farm,” where he also planted 3000 trees.

The happiest and most peaceful place for Jim was at “the farm” or “the cabin” ...the property he loved so much, in Southwest Wisconsin. Cutting brush, trimming trees, splitting wood, hunting and target practicing, driving tractor, campfires, picking stones, or just “tramping” through the woods…Jim was in his element.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Elissa (Schein) Schuhart; daughter, Patricia (Roger) Ralph; sons, Kurt Schuhart and Bret Schuhart; his twin brother, Gerald Schuhart; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret (Edwin) Schettl, brother, Alton (Carol) Schuhart, sister, Sandra (Dennis) McHugh, and brother, Thomas Schuhart.

Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held at the TREE OF LIFE CHAPEL AT OAKWOOD VILLAGE PRAIRIE RIDGE, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, with Chaplain Wayne Shannon officiating. Military honors will follow. Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, the Alzheimer’s Association, American Legion Post 501, or the charity of your choice.

Jim’s family would like to express a very special thank you to Agrace HospiceCare for all their support, special care and compassion, the Oak Nuts, and Meadows Assisted Living at Oakwood Senior Living.

Woodlands

I finally took a walk in the woods

And heard the silence through the trees.

No rush of traffic in this quiet place…

Only whispers of the cooling breeze.

There were tracks of deer, some large, some small,

Leading deeper in the brush.

Wild flowers swayed among the leaves

On ground is so verdant and lush.

Signs Abounded of the busy life

Woodland creatures enjoy each day.

Birds flew in and out of the the thickets

While bees buzzed by at work and play.

I found a stump on which to sit

And watch the clouds drift overhead.

As rays of sun danced down on me,

I felt God’s peace…my worries fled.

M. Elaine Fowser

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

James William "Jim" Schuhart

November 26, 1935 - December 25, 2023

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