Obituary of James R. Witkowski

James R. "Jim" Witkowski Of Waukesha, passed away at Waukesha Memorial Hospital while surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at the age of 59 years. Jim was born in Milwaukee on October 31, 1952, the son of Bernard J. and Bernice (nee Schmidt). Jim married the love of his life, Laurie (nee Badciong) on April 25, 1975. He owned BJ Video in Waukesha for many years. He later worked as a Parts Manager for over 10 years at Auto Zone in Waukesha. Jim enjoyed helicopters and planes. In his free time, he loved to fish and relax. Jim was always in good spirits and will be remembered for his ability to joke with those around him. More than anything, Jim loved his family and spending time with them. Jim will be dearly missed by his wife, Laurie; his daughters, Jessica (Randy) Seder of West Allis and Lisa Witkowski of Green Bay; his sisters, Charlotte (the late Jerry) Bauer and Sharon (Allen) Schickowski; his brothers, John (Jana) Witney, Bob (Suzanne) Witkowski and Gary (Karen) Witkowski; his sister-in-laws, Nancy Badciong and Wendy (Mike) Albertz; and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carol Leikness; and his brother, Gene Witkowski. A visitation for Jim will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at the Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188. Beginning at 7:00 PM, friends and family are invited to share memories of Jim. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful and caring doctors, nurses and other staff at Waukesha Memorial Hospital and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Wisconsin for their kindness and loving care towards Jim throughout his time with them. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Jim are appreciated by his family to the American Heart Association, 660 East Mason Street, Ste. 200, Milwaukee, WI 53202.