MADISON - Dr. James M. Huffer, age 90, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Jim was born in Madison on January 20, 1934, to Charles Morse Huffer and Elizabeth Hart Huffer.

Jim’s academic and professional credentials are a testament to a life of helping and caring for people, whether patients, friends or family. After attending West High School, Jim obtained his B.A. and M.D. from the University of Chicago. While there, he met his first wife, Florence Schuchardt Huffer. They wed in 1956 at St. James Catholic Church and moved to Rochester, N.Y., where Jim did his internship and residency in orthopedics. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Clinton AFB in Oklahoma, Jim served as the base’s sole physician.

Jim joined the Orthopedics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and eventually became a partner at Bone and Joint Surgery and Associates. In addition to patient care, he was a highly regarded teacher, earning the student-given UW Medical School teaching award twice. Jim also cared for and mentored student athletes on the UW football, basketball and hockey teams. The UW Hockey team won the NCAA National Championship in 1973, while Jim was the team physician.

After Florence passed away, Jim married Leonette “Lee” Miller Waldbillig.

Jim satisfied his intellectual curiosity through his love of travel, reading, conversations, storytelling and music. Jim and Lee sang together not only in St. Bernard’s choir for over 35 years, but also 25 years with the Madison Diocesan Choir, under the direction of Dr. Patrick Gorman. Their travels and singing took them to many Cathedrals in Germany, Ireland, France, Canada, and Italy. One most memorable time was singing in audience for Pope John Paul II, now St. John Paul II, at the Vatican in Rome. They also sang at Dachau, at the gas chambers that took the lives of thousands.

Endlessly curious and empathetic, Jim’s talent for conversation and humor were unmatched - he expressed genuine interest in the knowledge and lives of other people. He made people feel good - at the bridge table, after choir practice, on a walk, or sitting in his comfy chair, he always showed his kindness, humility, and generosity.

Jim rarely turned down a game - especially not cribbage or bridge. Having been “pressed into service” with his mother’s bridge group during World War II, his games led him to both tournament wins with Lee and games with his buddies’ group every Wednesday. The more games of bridge that he played, the happier he was. His winning cribbage streak went unchallenged, thanks to the winning card he claimed to keep up his sleeve.

Jim’s life of helping and caring for others, and legacy of kindness, generosity, and wisdom will be cherished forever. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lee; his children, Joan (Robert Dugger), Michael (Maureen) and Thomas (Janine); his step-children, Ted Waldbillig (Cindy), Will Waldbillig, Ann Waldbillig and Tom Waldbillig; grandchildren, Colin Huffer (Stacy), Dana Huffer, Kate Huffer (Sam Dickinson), Erin (Jon) Kramer and Sarah Huffer; step-grandchildren, Kelly Waldbillig Gardner (Patrick), Ted Waldbillig, Joe Waldbillig (fiancée, Allison Dopf), Andrew Maloney (fiancée, Hana Hammons), Matthew Maloney and Luke Waldbillig (Blythe); and great-grandchildren, Teagan and Jase Gardner, and Zinnia Lica.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, 2024, with Father Scott Jablonski, Parochial Administrator, celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday.

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

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

James M. Huffer, M.D.

January 20, 1934 - October 23, 2024

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