Robert W. James

Robert “Bobby” W. James, age 91, died Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at his home in Sparta. He was born to Carrie and David James in Sparta on October 24, 1933. After the death of his father, his mother married John Polly and he became Bobby’s second father. He was called to the Army after high school and was stationed in Texas 1953-1955. He married the love of his life Karen Badura on January 19, 1957 and they enjoyed 68 wonderful years together. He was a supportive, loving and fun father to his five children, instilling in them the value of hard work and also the value of a good time. He owned and operated his electrical business Bob’s Electric Service until he retired at age 62.  Bobby wasn’t one to sit still or worry.  He was easy-going and always up for some fun. He and Karen bought a place in Hatfield in the late 60’s where all the kids would learn to swim and water ski. In 1973, a cabin on the Chippewa River near Bruce, WI was purchased with Roger and Jeanne Ciolkosz and going to the cabin became their favorite pastime and confirmed their love of the north woods.  After retirement in 1992, Bobby and Karen built a beautiful home on Nelson Lake in Hayward, WI, where they lived for 21 years, before moving back to Sparta.

Bobby was a good athlete playing baseball and softball in his early years.  He enjoyed the outdoors, golfing, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and cutting wood.  He loved catching walleyes on the Chippewa River and Nelson Lake and landed a prized 30 incher on a cold November day on Nelson Lake. There were many special memories on the pontoon boat with friends and family with Bobby at the helm.  He enjoyed his “toys”, driving motorcycles, 4-wheelers, snowmobiles, and loved his yellow Jeep.  Gambling and casinos became Bobby’s favorite activity later in life.  Flights to Wendover casinos and Thursday trips to Black River Falls with Kathy, Julie and Mom were the highlight of his week, always ending with a trip to Dairy Way for a cone.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 68 years Karen, five children, “The JamesGang” Kathy James, Sparta, Robert (Sue) James, Kendall, Jeri James, Minneapolis MN, Mike (Steph) James, Oshkosh, Julie (Paul) Geier, Sparta. He is survived by Grandchildren: Sarah (Josh) Connelly, Sparta, Brian (Erin) James, Mauston, Dayne (Kristen) Geier, Garrett Geier, Sparta, Maddie James (Jeremy Outinen), Oshkosh, Luke James, Austin, TX, Liz James, Madison. He is further survived with Great Grandchildren: Madden, Brock, Landon and Tenley Connelly, all of Sparta, Dane, Mallorie, Weston and Leighton James, Mauston, Theo and Willow Geier, Sparta. He was further survived by nephews and nieces, David (Laura) James, Oregon, WI, Steve (Susan) James, Savage, MN along with the Badura Clan from Nebraska, Loren, Janelle, Karlynn, Mark, John, James, Sherri, Gary, and Paul and sisters-in-law, Lavonna Gardner, Houston TX and Bev James, Oconomowoc, WI.  He is also survived by special friends Roger and Jeanne Ciolkosz.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David and sister-in-law, Doris Oconomowoc, WI. Father and mother in-law, John and Domasia Badura. Brother and sister-in-law, Murl and Delores Badura both from Loup City, NE, brother-in-law, Carl Gardner, Houston TX, niece, Amy Gatewood, Fort Dodge, IA.  Special dog friends, King, Taco and Jesse James also preceded in death. 

The family extends sincere thanks to the staff at the Gunderson in La Crosse, especially Dr. Ludwigson and the Tomah Health Hospice staff.        

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at Wisco 8, 2700 Riley Road, Sparta WI. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tomah Health Hospice or Sparta Area Cancer Society (SACS).

A military service and blessing will be held at 3 p.m. with Chaplain Bruce Milleman and VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100, both of Sparta.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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