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Jim's Livestream Service will begin at 12 noon CT on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”

MIDDLETON - James Kubek went to his eternal Home from The Oaks at Jamestown in Hudsonville, Mich., on October 9, 2025. Jim had battled Multiple System Atrophy.

Jim was born on May 27, 1956, in Buffalo, N.Y. Son of Rita and Rudy Kubek, he grew up with his brother, Gary, in the family’s Cheektowaga home. He received degrees in economics and broadcast journalism from Syracuse University where he did play-by-play for Orangemen basketball on the local radio station. He received his master’s from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. For a study break one fall day, he attended an IU football game against the UW Badgers. He was dumbfounded by the wacky UW fans who were storming the field after a lopsided loss to the home team. He would never have believed that one of those wacky fans was his future wife!

Jim met Jill in the Management Training Program at the then-First Wisconsin Bank in Milwaukee in 1982. He persevered when Jill played hard-to-get; they were married in Racine in 1985. Jim’s career at the bank included a stint as President of the Community Development Corp., where he passionately helped minority-owned businesses. He went on to make commercial real estate loans at Bando McGlocklin Capital Corp.

In 1990, son Sam was born and the family soon moved from Wauwatosa to Madison, where Jim continued financing business real estate with the then-M&I Bank. The family made their home in Middleton and welcomed daughter, Allie, in 1993. It was a source of great pride for Jim that he could support the family so that Jill could pause her career and stay home while the children were young.

Jim decided to make a career change in 2001, joining the University of Wisconsin Foundation to do development work on behalf of the business school. There he enjoyed traveling the country to engage with alumni who wanted to stay connected and give back to their university. Friendships with alumni and his UWF colleagues made his “second career” fulfilling until his retirement in 2016 and beyond.

Outside of work and family, Jim made volunteer contributions throughout his life. Organizations including Porchlight, St. Bernard’s Middleton, Asset Builders, and UW’s Initiative to End Alzheimer’s all benefitted from Jim’s direction.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife, Jill of Middleton, Wis., and Grandville, Mich.; children, Sam (Becca) Kubek of Houston, Texas and Allie (Alex) Hunter of Zeeland, Mich.; they promised “Pa” to keep his memory alive for grandchildren, Camden, Dakota, Kennedy and two more babies on the way.

Jim loved his family fiercely. Followed his Buffalo Bills (and sports in general) passionately. Cared for his friends deeply. Liked blaring U2 in his red convertible. Had a tireless work ethic. Never minced words. Had a wonderful wit that endured through his hospice days. Had steadfast faith.

ALWAYS STAYED HUMBLE AND KIND!

A gathering in Jim’s memory will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Friends may begin to gather at 10 a.m. The formal service will start at 12 Noon, with Rev. Brian Wilk presiding.

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

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Jim Kubek

May 27, 1956 - October 09, 2025

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