James "Jim" Or "Jimmy" Chudzicke

Madison - James “Jim” or “Jimmy” R. Chudzicke age 74 passed away on February 10, 2022.  Jim was born on May 20, 1947, in Wisconsin and spent many of his early years living at Southern Wisconsin Center.  He blessed Madison with his presence when he found freedom and was able to move out of Southern Wisconsin Center and to Madison in the Mid 70’s.

Jim did not find any challenge he couldn’t overcome. Many who didn’t know Jim would find him challenging to understand as he was hard of hearing and most of his words were not clearly audible and yet he always found a way to be understood.  He knew how to advocate for himself and surrounded himself with friends that became his family for life. He brought a big smile, laughter and just genuine sunshine everywhere he went. He had a heart of gold and would help everyone and anyone if he could.  He touched the lives of many Madisonians from business owners, to police officers, to bus drivers and so many others.

Jim loved to work and enjoyed employment at different jobs in Madison. He found work through his involvement with Goodwill Industries but he was also able to land many of his jobs on his own through his relationships with business owners in his neighborhood and surrounding areas.  He was seen frequently on State Street and East Washington Ave.  working his many jobs.

Jim had a large group of long-time friends he considered his family.  The group of friends included people who were his support staff, police officers who patrolled his neighborhood and social workers who helped in his quest for independence. Once you got to know Jim, leaving a job or moving to a new city didn’t end your connection with him. Over the years the size of that family continued to grow. Many of those friends have been in Jim’s life for decades.  He loved celebrating holidays, specifically birthdays and Christmas. He made sure he remembered friends’ birthdays and had gifts in hand for them at Christmas. Including gifts for the dogs and cats.

Some of the many people who were instrumental in making sure Jim had the most successful life in Madison over the years were the support staff who worked at Options in Community Living, Teamwork Associates as well as Goodwill Industries, Inc.  Because of their support, Jim was able to have his own apartment, living independently and enjoying what was important to him; his freedom, his belongings, his schedule, his life and living it how he chose.

Jim had a special support group of friends working with him to help him navigate some of the more difficult changes in his health and life in the past year. That group includes Steve Tenpas, Angie Wyse Reeser, Patrick Sharpe, Jessica Deschaines and Linda Auchue.

Jim lived out his last few months at Autumn Winds in Cambridge where he added the staff members to his growing group of friends.  Jim’s presence will be missed by many.

In lieu of memorials take a moment to do a kind deed for someone, brighten someone's day with a smile and give your friends and pets a little extra attention. If you are inclined to want to contribute financially please donate to a nonprofit of your choice.

Jim’s funeral will be at 12:00 PM on Thursday February 24, 2022, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Ave. Madison.  Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home on Thursday.  Burial service will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666