¬¬James Bodenheimer January 1, 1955 – April 12, 2024

James Aron Bodenheimer, age 69, of Wausau, WI, escaped the impending doom of America, on Friday, April 12, 2024, leaving behind a half bottle of E & J brandy, his 12 string guitar, 86 Fiat Bertone, and a small bag of weed from 1973.

James is survived by his overly-patient and accepting wife Marjorie, who was the love of his life. He is also survived by his beloved but overly-impatient mother, Charlotte (Wenrich) Bodenheimer; brothers, Ray, Ron and Steve; sons, Aaron James Bodenheimer (Amanda Bodenheimer), Adam James Bodenheimer, Alex James Bodenheimer and grandkids, Reid and Falynn Bodenheimer.

He is preceded in death by his father, George Vincent Bodenheimer and dog, Sparkey.

His prayers were answered when he was gifted more time than originally diagnosed. He celebrated his 44th wedding anniversary, his (wife) Marjorie's and (son) Adam's birthdays, Easter Sunday, four more fish fries, dozens of "show case show downs" and Wagon Train reruns, before passing away peacefully at home with his loving family present.

He was also able to share some of his life story for this obituary, so in his honor ….

Jim was born and raised in the Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He has the distinction of being in the first graduating class of the newly built Neenah Armstrong High School, in 1973. He attended UW Oshkosh for three years, focused on pre-engineer studies. Jim's father took a promotion and moved the family to Wausau, where Jim's education warranted him a position in the Engineering Department at Wausau Homes.

It is here where the magic began! He met (Marjorie) the woman of his dreams, his future wife, and the mother of his three precious babies. The flirting that occurred in the blueprint room during the late 70"s would be considered "sexual harassment" today, but probably wouldn't change this love story anyway. A shotgun wedding occurred in 1980, with Jim finally winning over the respect and friendship of his father in law. They grew to realize that they had a lot in common. Both charismatic and humorous, sharing hilarious stories along with their love of the E & J.

Jim continued working for Wausau Homes through thick and thin, eventually earning the position of Operations Manager for a start-up plant in Paulding, Ohio. It was only a two year stay, but the friendships and cherished memories (with the Dangler, Rager, and Porter families) have lasted a lifetime. They made us feel welcomed by including us in their many pizza-popcorn-card parties, and even some holidays, when we couldn't be with our own families in Wisconsin. We pulled some fun loving pranks on each other. One involved an overloaded station wagon, while armed with toilet paper and adhesive Maxi pads!

Returning to Wausau, Jim joined Pella Windows as a sales manager for a four-county area. He enjoyed traveling for the job and the people he met along the way. He was active in the Builder's Associations in all four counties. This is where he met Larry Voigt, his best friend and golf partner for over 25 years.

Jim loved his Thursday night golf league at Pine Valley, which included a delicious dinner. Of course, enjoying a few cocktails at the bar with Larry, while solving world problems and probably teasing the sassy bartender, who gave it right back! "What a great group of guys!" He expressed his appreciation for the friendships he acquired over the years through joining the golf league.

Jim also loved going to packer games with Larry, no matter the outcome, or the inclement weather. While his wife preferred the warm couch, and the lack of an over dramatic screaming "cheese head"!

After Pella changed their location, Jim then worked for Imperial Industries for 12 years, until retiring in September of 2022. He enjoyed the job as a project manager, working with various large companies, facilitating the food and petroleum industry. He enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Canada. He found the job rewarding and fulfilling and enjoyed the camaraderie in working with great people.

Jim mentioned how he enjoyed his lunch time "walk and talks" with Glen Grezenski. The wit of Russ Brunette; and his incredible ability to retain EVERYTHING he has ever heard or learned. A talented musician too! "The Tree Guy" Jeff Nyburg; was admired for being entrepreneurial, multitalented and ambitious. Surely, Jim would be known for his warm heart and infectious sense of humor. He entertained coworkers daily with his 1:15 phone call to his widowed mother. Everyone had the pleasure of spending most of their day with him, so surely they have some hilarious stories to share.

Since his father past away 13 years ago, Jim has always made time for his mother on a daily basis. It was a "love-hate" relationship, usually disagreeing about most everything, and annoyed by her "armchair quarterbacking"…but he always treated her with love and respect, while using his humor to give her crap! "Put your teeth in, I'm coming over!" Jim's sons are in the practice of calling Grandma Charlotte, cooking or bringing over her favorite meal, or picking her up to join the family for a fish fry. They will help ease her heartbreak, but only if she puts her hearing aids in.

It's hard to believe, but his mother describes "Little Jimmy" as being a very shy boy. It was in his nature to be mature and conscientious of other's safety and feelings. So naturally, he took on the responsibility of caring for his three younger brothers.

As a father of three young boys, he taught them through example (and with his authoritative BIG voice) how to treat others with respect. Aaron, Adam and Alex became the men he was very proud to call "my sons", consistently respectful, considerate, and compassionate. They were also blessed with Jim's handsome good looks…along with the unmistakable "you must be a Schuebel" good looks too!!

Jim felt his greatest asset was his ability to talk and communicate with everyone, using his sense of humor and his knowledge of the product he was promoting. To the general public, his humor was sometimes a bit inappropriate, just the way it was intended! He was "the greeter" at his favorite hangouts saying (for example) "last one in buys!" or "don't forget to use protection!" to an elderly couple as they shuffled out the door. If you've ever met "The Silver Fox" you would definitely remember that beautiful head of hair, along with his ability to connect with everyone personally.

Jim found retirement relaxing and was finally able to tackle some unfinished projects. He was proud of his accomplishments and admittedly enjoyed doing yard work, (WHAT?) but he was missing the social aspect of working with the guys.

So every day he would find a lame excuse to go downtown to socialize with "the regulars." He wants his friends at: "Treu's Tic Toc," "The Chatterbox" and "101 Pub" -to know how much he appreciated and valued their friendships. Also, Donna and Terry at Surewood Forest Campground bar, where he enjoyed and bragged about their delicious fish fries and breakfasts.

The Bodenheimer family and friends spent nearly every summer weekend "up North" in Tomahawk, at their property on Muskellunge Lake. Jim especially loved boating and fishing for crappies. He loved to entertain, making a welcoming campfire, utilizing his expert grilling ability, while "cranking up" the classic rock. And let's not forget to "piss off" the neighbors with loud fireworks!! Sadly, spending his summer there was his retirement dream.

It goes without saying that Jim was very loved and played an important part in his family. His infectious sense of humor, his uplifting spirit, and his ability to improve the atmosphere by making people laugh, was his gift to this world. We will always cherish all the wonderful memories. (He made a hilarious Santa Claus!!)

To say "he will be sadly missed" is an understatement. We are broken hearted. Love you always, Jim, Dad, Grandpa!

"I am the luckiest guy in the world to have a family as great as mine! I love my wife and sons. They're the best and will always be in my heart." –James Aron Bodenheimer

*Special thanks to Pastor Gary Schults for his weekly home visits and his assistance with the service. *Also thanks to the Aspirus Health Hospice Care, especially Cathy Yaeger for her ability to connect with Jim, using humor, of course.

*Friends and family can visit with the Bodenheimer family at the Buettgen Funeral Home on Saturday, April 27th, from 10:00 to 12:00. Memorial service at 12:00.

*Memorial donations in Jim's name can be made at your favorite watering hole, where you are encouraged to "tie one on" and tell a few stories of the great "Silver Fox."

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at that time.  Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com