MIDDLETON - Jim Wexler passed away peacefully in Madison, Wis. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with multiple complications of cancer and kidney disease. He was 74.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of community service, humor, kindness and friendship. He was a “shining light” whose smile brightened the lives of others over the years, from his childhood in Shorewood, Wis., and later in Madison, Wis., and Middleton, Wis., where he spent years in state and city government, including nearly three decades on the Middleton City Council, where he served as president for a decade. He was a familiar and welcoming presence as an usher at Madison Mallards baseball games, administrative assistant at the Middleton Senior Center and even as a friendly neighborhood crossing guard in Middleton. The kids loved Jim because they knew he was a big kid at heart.

Jim is survived by his brothers, Steve (Amy) Wexler and Brian (Karen) Wexler; as well as six nieces and nephews, including his goddaughter, Becky Graber (Wexler); and 17 grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard “Buzz” and Arlene Wexler. He also considered his wide circle of friends in Middleton part of his extended family, and cherished his time with his trivia team, “The Brains That Wouldn’t Die” (a name that he, predictably, chose).

Jim was a fan of horror movies (the more gruesome the better), science fiction, Star Trek, Star Wars, and was a lover of classic rock from the 60s and 70s. Many of those songs were playing throughout Jim’s medical journey.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated teams at UW Health University Hospital in Madison (especially the TLC/ICU team), Hebron Oaks Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Hospital, Brookdale Middleton Century Avenue Assisted Living and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care.

A celebration of life for Jim will be held at the MIDDLETON SENIOR CENTER, 7448 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Middleton is known as the “Good Neighbor City.” Today, Middleton is missing one of its very best neighbors. Jim’s memory will be a blessing.

Memorial donations on Jim’s behalf to the Middleton Senior Center, by cash, check or credit card, are welcome and appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

James "Jim" A. Wexler

May 23, 1951 - November 30, 2025

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