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James "Jim" C. Bauer Obituary

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James "Jim" C. Bauer

Oconomowoc, WI

February 16, 1940 - November 17, 2020

James "Jim" C. Bauer Obituary

DOUSMAN – James C. “Jim” Bauer, age 80, of Dousman, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was born on Feb. 16, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wis., the oldest of three children in the Elmer and Betty (Kleser) Bauer family. He grew up in Milwaukee, graduated from Washington High School, and then attended M.A.T.C. On Sept. 19, 1970, Jim married Jane Schmittgen at Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wis. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together Jim and Jane raised two children, Jennifer and Michael. They were also close to their many nieces and nephews, and “Uncle Jim” was truly adored by all of them. As a young man Jim worked in the construction field, where he had the opportunity to learn how to work with and around natural gas lines. Eventually he was able to start a successful business selling and installing fireplaces and grills. He loved working with the public and prior to retirement, enjoyed a satisfying career at Genesee Fireplace in Wales. In his high school days Jim loved boating, and actually built a sea-worthy boat in the family garage during his senior year. He was also an excellent bowler, sought out by many to play on their bowling teams. Once Jim was married, his focus was on his family. As his children grew, he took great pride in everything they did. He and Jane shared a love of remodeling and decorating their homes in Wauwatosa, Delafield, and Wales. They also shared a love of travel and visited many parts of the U.S. and Europe, often in the company of other family members. Jim never turned down good food or good wine, and he enjoyed dining out as well as assisting Jane in preparing some fabulous gourmet meals. During quiet times, he was generally up for a round of trivial pursuit, a chess match, a game of cards or relaxing in front of a football game. He also relished his role as a grandfather, and treasured time spent with his two grandsons. Jim was a giver, generous in every way. He was a longtime member of Jerusalem Presbyterian Church in Wales, where he was known for his kindness and willingness to help wherever he was needed. In retirement he took on a number of volunteer positions, and took great joy in having driven senior citizens to the polls the day of the 2008 presidential election. Jim had many lifelong friendships, because he was someone people knew they could count on. He had a great sense of humor, and liked to laugh. He was a loving husband and father, a caring son, and an awesome big brother. Those of us who knew and loved him think of him as the all-time role model for “unconditional love.” To say he will be missed is an understatement. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane; his daughter, Jennifer (Steve) Akin; his son, Michael (Lisa Geason-Bauer) Bauer; grandsons, Josiah Akin and Samuel Akin; sister Ginny Whitehouse and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donald Bauer. There are no services scheduled at this time. A Celebration of Life with members of the “Jim Bauer Fan Club” will be held when we can all gather safely. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the Hope Center in Waukesha, WI.

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