James E. Erickson

James “Jim” Erickson January 20, 1931 – January 3, 2026

James “Jim” Erickson, age 94, passed away on January 3, 2026. He was born January 20, 1931, at Stoughton Hospital to Edval and Marion (Wicker) Erickson.

Jim grew up in McFarland until age seven, then moved to Clyman, Wisconsin, where his father founded Clyman Oil Co. He attended Clyman Grade School, a one-room schoolhouse, and later graduated from River Falls High School.

On March 2, 1952, Jim met the love of his life, Judith Elske, on a blind date. They married May 21, 1955, at Lowell Methodist Church and celebrated 70 years together.

Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, stationed in Germany. After returning home, he and Judy settled in Clyman, where Jim ran Clyman Oil Company until his retirement in 1994.

Jim was dedicated to his community, serving with Dodge County Civil Defense, 40 years with the Clyman Fire Department (including eight years as Fire Chief), Treasurer of the Dodge County Fire Chiefs Organization, Mayor of Clyman for eight years, and Village Treasurer for eight years. He also served on the first Dodgeland School Board as Treasurer, volunteered with Clyman First Responders, and was a Trustee at Lowell, Watertown, and Minocqua United Methodist Churches. Jim helped establish the Clyman Lions Club.

After retiring, Jim and Judy enjoyed winters in their Florida home and summers at their home on Lake Shishebogama in Minocqua. They later moved to Briarwood Senior Complex in Watertown, then to Lake Mills, and most recently to Heritage House at the Spero complex.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; son Joel Dean; great-grandson Corbin James Miller; brothers Lawrence and Roger; sister Marion Kreitzman; and brothers-in-law Dean and Lyle (Louise) Elske.

He is survived by his wife, Judith; children Joyce, JoAnn (Eddie) Olson, Julie Rennhack, and Jill (Tim) Christian-Engels, James (Ann); and their special AFS daughter Maria. Jim leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; a sister Idella; brother Phillip (Donna); sister-in-law Sharon Elske. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Jim gave his family gifts far more valuable than money: the gift of each other, a strong work ethic, and a sense of humor that will live on in all of us.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home of Watertown with Chaplin Tim McLean presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:00am until the time of service at the funeral home.