James W. Griswold

James W. Griswold, 89, of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Randolph Health Center.

A memorial gathering for Jim will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 511 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Father Will Arnold officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, followed by a meal and time of fellowship at Mission Hall.

James Willard was born on February 26, 1937, in Brookfield, the son of Eugene and Florence (Nettesheim) Griswold. On July 14, 1956, he was united in marriage to Jane A. Bartlett in Dousman, Wisconsin. Together, Jim and Jane shared 70 years of marriage and built a life centered around family, farming, and their love and trust in the Lord.

Jim was a lifelong dairy farmer and a true hardworking man who was rarely without a project. If something needed to be built, repaired, or fixed, Jim was the one to figure it out. He was a talented woodworker who enjoyed building birdhouses and many other creations. He was also a skilled mechanic and took pride in being able to fix just about anything; especially working alongside his sons that he was so proud of.  Jim also shared special times with his daughter Dede, as they always sat upstairs together through the storms while the rest of the family was in the basement.

Jim loved working outdoors and could often be found cutting and splitting the wood that heated his home. He was known for keeping his chainsaws sharpened and ready to go. He loved getting out on his Kubota and taking a ride around his land. His garage, better known as his “Man Cave,” was a favorite place to spend time, complete with a television, refrigerator, and everything he needed to enjoy a little time in his own space.

Jim had a special love for his Golden Retrievers and enjoyed the simple pleasures of country life. He loved visiting with neighbors, chatting with friends, and spending time with the people around him. His hardworking nature, mechanical ability, sense of independence, and friendly personality will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife of 70 years, Jane; his children, Diana “Dede” Sadoski of Randolph, Steven Griswold (Tammy Garbalagtys) of Beaver Dam, Daniel (Renee) Griswold of Juneau, Paul (Betty) Griswold of Beaver Dam, and Adam (Stacy) Griswold of Beaver Dam; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his siblings, Lorraine Wandsnider, Joseph Griswold, Sharon (Chuck) Armao, and Gerard (Cindy) Griswold; his sister-in-law Joyce Griswold, and brother-in-law Michael Helm, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mariann; twin sons, James and John; daughter-in-law, Karen Griswold; son-in-law, Gregory Sadoski; and siblings, Eugene (Joan) Griswold Jr., Lois (James) Marincic, Barbara (Marvin) Berres, Kenneth Griswold, Marcella “Sally” Helm, and John (Marlene) Griswold and brother-in-law Richard Wandsnider and sister-in-law Ellen Beck.