James A. Jones

Jim Jones of Wausau, Wisconsin died peacefully at home on February 24 at the age of 81.

Jim was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin to Hylas and Dorothy Jones on October 29, 1942.  He attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.   He married Marilyn Janczak (deceased) in 1966 and had a daughter Alissa.  In 1985 Jim married Mary Lou Prange and they were together for 38 years up until his passing.

Jim was a Milwaukee Police Officer for 28 years where he walked the beat, drove an ambulance, manned squad cars, and engaged in community policing.  Jim was often asked why he joined the police force.  His response was it’s the closest thing to being a cowboy he could find.

The day after Jim retired from the force, the cars were packed and he and Mary Lou moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to start a new adventure. There he got his Professional Ski Instructors of America certification and started his dream job of teaching skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort.

Jim had a passion for the great outdoors, whether skiing and snowshoeing in the winter or biking and hiking in the summer. He loved walking the beaches and kayaking in the mangroves on visits to see his daughter and her family in Florida.

Jim is survived by his wife Mary Lou, daughter Alissa Grabarczyk, her husband Steve Grabarczyk, grandson Grant Grabarczyk, granddaughter Bethany Johnsen, sister Jan Werdin, and many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

There will be no funeral per Jim’s request, so the next time you go for a walk or strap on a pair of skis, take a moment to appreciate your surroundings, smile and think of Jim.

Memorials may be sent to United Way of Marathon County or a charity of your choice.