James B. Lauderdale Ii

April 29, 1938 — March 27, 2025

The world lost an amazingly kindhearted soul as James (Jim) Lauderdale II passed away unexpectedly on March 27 ^th , 2025, at the age of 86 years. Jim's life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and kindness, which were the cornerstones upon which he built his existence. Jim lived an authentic and passionate life. His strong faith and deep, immeasurable love for his wife of 63 years, Mary, and his family were apparent to everyone that met him. Jim was a devoted son, protective brother, loving husband, proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Truly an all-around encouraging and supportive human being to his family and friends alike. He succeeded in his sales career, and generally in life, through his ability to quickly establish a genuine and authentic relationship with people. Jim was community minded and took his civic duties to heart. An active and engaged volunteer, he was involved in getting California's Proposition 13 passed, was President of his HOA, and an active Board Member for most of the churches he and Mary attended. These are just a few of the roles where he made a significant impact. Jim had a quiet strength that commanded a room. Whether engaging in a personal conversation or speaking from the pulpit in Church, he created a meaningful and respected connection. Jim was handy and taught himself useful skills in basic plumbing, electrical work and carpentry. He was a skilled do-it-yourselfer and could fix most things around the house. He delighted in passing along his experience and knowledge to his kids as well as anyone else that could use his help. Jim had passion for his interests. He loved listening to Jazz anytime he could. On Memorial Day Weekend he could be found in the garage working on a project and listening to the Indy 500. Jim loved to drive. He fulfilled his dreams by driving an Ambulance as a young man and driving a commercial truck as he neared retirement. He also loved taking his family on long road trips. It was both sharing the freedom of the open road and a wanderlust sense of sharing an adventure. He would delight his children by venturing down "unexplored roads". And most of all, Jim loved barbequing. Growing up in San Diego, he preferred to cook anything he could outside on the grill. He was a master and brought things to a new level when he acquired a Kamado (the original Japanese predecessor of the Green Egg). In 1980, when he moved the family to Wisconsin, his passion for grilling was put to the test by winter. However, even snow would not deter him from grilling delicious steaks. Those who knew Jim would describe him as a loving man, whose faith guided him through the trials and triumphs of life. He was kind in spirit and generous with his time, always willing to lend a hand or an ear to those in need. Jim's presence was a comfort to all, and his legacy of kindness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to leave the world a better place... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Jim embodied this sentiment every day of his life, and his success is measured in the love and memories he leaves behind. Jim is predeceased by his parents, James and Faith Lauderdale, and his first grandchildren Thomas Ian Lauderdale and Theresa Elizabeth Klamecki. Jim is survived by his soulmate and wife Mary Lauderdale; Children James (Karen) Lauderdale III; John Lauderdale; Virginia (Joseph) Klamecki; Sister, Paula (Kenneth) Kunkel; as well as beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, cousins, and many more family, friends and loved ones. Visitation Friday, April 11 ^th from 1:00 to 2:45 PM at Schramka Funeral Home, 13220 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 PM. He will be laid to rest privately at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials to James' church, Spiritual Living of Greater Milwaukee, 400 S. 91 ^st St., Milwaukee, WI 53214 would be appreciated.

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