James R. Mack

July 2, 1939 - November 20, 2020

BEAVER DAM – Jim Mack, a good man, died November 20,2020. He was born in Madison, WI on July 2, 1939 to John and Caroline Mack. He graduated from Madison Central HS in 1957; University of Wisconsin BS in Economics in 1964;University of Wisconsin 1967 Law School, JD Degree. He was a member of the National W Club earning his letter as part WI Boxing team 1958-1961. He won the silver medal 1960 NCAA boxing tournament at 112 pounds. Forty years later (Doug Moe’s book LORDS of the RING) Jim stated, “The night of the NCAA tournament was the biggest thing that ever happened – until my son was born.” An April 2000 Smithsonian magazine article called Jim a “Plucky little fighter.” Jim loved the purity of boxing “Afterward, you and the guy you fought were like best friends.” Jim started boxing at age 8 in Woodward’s Little Badger Boxers. Jim recalled, “I fought (UW Boxing coach)John Walsh’s son. He beat me.” Jim was a lifelong Badger fan “dutifully” taking his beloved Aunt Marion to the Badger football games for more than 50 years. Jim proudly served his country from 1957-1965 in the US Army Reserves honorable discharged as an enlisted man; 1970-1981 US Army honorable discharged as Captain James Mack Judge Advocate General’s Corp. He was a member of the Wisconsin Bar, Both US District Courts for the State of Wisconsin and 7th District Court of Appeals, US Supreme Court. He was the Dodge County District Attorney from 1975 to 1981 and in private practice 1981 until 2012. He was President of the WI District Attorneys Association 1979-1980. Jim served his community: he was on the Board of Directors and past President Greater WI National Multiple Sclerosis Society 1971-77; Charter member of the Beaver Dam Exchange club; Board of Directors and past president Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dodge County; Board of Directors and past president Habitat for Humanity of Dodge County; Beaver Dam JAYCEES; BD Chamber of Commerce; member of Immanuel Evg. Lutheran Church, Watertown, having served as a member of the Church council, Endowment board, Sunday School teacher, usher and mentor; Elks club member who delivered Christmas food baskets for decades; former amateur boxing club organizer, teacher, coach & judge; member of the Beaver Dam Hockey Association that raised funds and built an indoor ice rink; Hockey coach 1980-1994; member Board of Directors Clothes 4 Kids; starting pitcher for the B Team softball team until age 74; member of numerous area Dance Clubs. He was a good man. In 1996 he married Ruth(Wegner) Rice and they danced through life together for the next 24 years. Jim made people laugh. Sometimes it was a funny joke or story, but sometimes it was the way he tried to tell the story. Jim always smiled. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, sons James Jr (Colorado), Jeffery (Jill) and Jonathan Mack of Madison; stepchildren Amy (Matt)McDonald, Minnesota and Aaron (Deb) Rice, Michigan. Nine grandchildren: Marcus, Megen and Maya Mack, Meagen, Kyle, Emily and Cole Rice, Bill and Blake Hammer. In-laws: Ed (Grace) Wegner, Mary (Larry) Braunschweig, Don (Lisa) Wegner, Bill (Chris) Wegner, Linda Wegner; a niece, nephews and many friends. He was the last member of his immediate family. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Evg Lutheran Church’s (209 N Ninth Street, Watertown, WI) Capital Campaign. A celebration of Jim’s wonderful life will be held at a time we can all gather safely.

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I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was an assistant in the Dodge County D.A. office in the late 1970s. I last saw Jim at a Wisconsin Senior Law Education Meeting in Madison a few years ago. Jim was a valuable mentor to me in the beginning of my legal career. He was always knowledgeable of the law. We also had good times together, even going to Toastmasters in Beaver Dam. Best wishes. Ray Jablonski, Janesville, WI

To the family of Jim , you have my Deepest Sympathy at the loss of a Wonderful man .

Ruth so sorry to hear of your loss! Sending prayers to you and your family and yes he was a good man.

Jim was simply just a wonderful fellow. I worked with him throughout my legal career and he was always a delight. He will truly be missed.

A buddy since 1960, I will miss him, Judge Richard o, Wright

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Jim was an absolutely wonderful man. He lived to serve others. What a great example of God's servant. We will miss seeing him at church. Our sincere condolences to Ruth, the family, and all of his friends. Sincerely, The Barta Family

Ruth, I am so sorry to hear of your loss! May prayers and hugs of comfort and peace be wrapped around you!

Jim was also an all-star pitcher for the Heb's Beaver Club softball team and many of its incarnations. He generously helped me and many other young attorneys. He will be missed. Kevin Schram.

To say that Jim was a friend is the best way I can sum up Jim's life to me. Our sympathy to you Ruth and your family. We will all miss Jim.

Fellow Veteran, Words cannot express, a debt that cannot be paid, a cost we cannot comprehenda thank you that falls shortbut honor you we must try, for all that have gone, are there and will go. We are honored by your service and commitment, your valor and sacrifice.

Jim, we barely knew your dad but admired him from a distance, and always have missed you, too. If you are en route to Beaver Dam please stop by for a visit (within a mile of Holy Hill, 1522 Dublin Drive, Hartford). We love our Sunday afternoon zoom visits with all our daughters in Anchorage, Seattle. Tacoma, southeast Wales, and Vienna, and a few near daughters in Eau Claire, Hilton Head, Amsterdam and elsewhere. May you and the entire family have safe and good Thanksgivings and Christmases. John and Susie

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great guy. I worked with Ruth and Jim at BBBS of Dodge County.

We are sad to hear of Jim's passing. He was such a fun guy!
Our prayers are with you and your family.

So sad to hear this news. Thinking of Jim always brought a smile. I loved playing softball with him and was honored to be his teammate and call him friend. Prayers to all from the Jaglers.

Our Rock Steady Boxing group will miss him terribly. He was always cheerful, did his best and made other participants feel more cheerful too. We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Marta Jindra, RSB coach at Martial Arts America, BD

So very sorry to gear of Jim's passing. Worked with him on Real Estate and other transactions...Was very kind.. Sincerely Carol Crawford

So sorry to hear about uncle Jim.

Ruth, John, and Family, I am so very sorry to hear about Jim. Reading about him shows what an amazing life he has had. I am sure you are all proud of the many things he did for others.I remember him fondly from anytime we would talk. He will be missed by so many. Sincerely, Judy Lindquist

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.