James "Jim" Predith

James (Jim) Benjamin Predith passed away on May 6, 2021, in Fitchburg, WI.

He was born in Oconto, WI on November 10, 1942, to Ruth and Harry Predith.  He attended Oconto High School and worked at the local pickle factory.  He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he supported himself for 4 years and received a degree in Cartography.  While there, he met Patty Henshaw, and they married on June 18, 1966.

He was drafted into the Army in 1967, and after completing his service, he became a Federal employee of the U.S. Department of Defense, relocating to several places in the Midwest and East Coast during his career.  Jim and Patty returned to Wisconsin in 2000 for retirement.

Jim held a lifelong passion for piloting and driving motor vehicles of all kinds.  He raced sports cars in the Sports Car Club of America from 1960 through 1980.  After his three children were born, he stopped racing and turned to building and rebuilding sports cars, motorcycles, and more. In retirement, he took to the sky, becoming a licensed pilot, and began flying his own Cessna aircraft.  He then went on to building and constructing a Glasair airplane.

Throughout his life, the family’s cabin in the north Wisconsin woods was a special place for him and many family members.  He loved fishing and had warm memories of hunting with his own father.

Jim will be remembered for his mild manner, resourcefulness, foresight, and compassion.  He was a loyal husband and proud father.  He was warm, kind, and sensitive in moments that mattered.  He deeply loved his family and we will always love him.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Patty Predith; children Colin (Dawn) Predith, Ashley Predith, and Hilary (Brad) Smith; brothers Brent Predith and Michael Predith; five grandchildren (Meera, Brendan, Leila, Jack, and Madeleine); and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the EAA Aviation Foundation, The Trees Remember (planting location: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, WI), the Parkinson’s Foundation, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434