In Loving Memory of
James L. Brzezinski
August 7, 1943 – August 18, 2026

James “Jim” Brzezinski, 83, of Hales Corners, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026 with his beloved wife Nancy by his side. He was visited by many loving family and friends in the weeks before his passing, showered with love and prayers in his final days.

Jim was born August 7, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Clement Brzezinski and Bernice (nee Nyland) Brzezinski. Jim graduated from Boys’ Technical High School in 1961, where he proudly wore the Trojan purple as a stand-out football player and where he and his future bride Nancy were crowned Prom King and Queen.

Jim married his high school sweetheart Nancy Heder on May 28, 1966, and together they built a wonderful life raising their son Gregg and daughter Cheryl in Franklin, Wisconsin. It was Jim’s dream to retire to the Northwoods of Wisconsin at Breezie’s Bay in Presque Isle and they did just that in 2006. They wintered in Florida for 15 years and treasured making memories with their growing grandsons while dodging a few months of the cold winters of Wisconsin. In May, Jim and Nancy celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Jim was a master electrician, owner of C & J Electric, and proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 494 for more than 60 years. Jim was the Hales Corners Electrical Inspector for more than 20 years and enjoyed his friends and the events in the community—he knew everyone! Jim was very proud when his son Gregg followed in his footsteps and also became an electrician, and Gregg was there to see him receive his 55-year IBEW Member pin in 2017.

Jim was a true outdoorsman at heart and enjoyed many years of hunting pheasants and ducks with his loyal dogs Mitzi and Josey, fishing the waters of Armour Lake, and the many years of deer hunting, turkey hunting and bear hunting with his son Gregg and his hunting buddies.

Jim was a very proud dad and always made it to football games, wrestling meets, basketball games and other school events. As a Grandpa, he enjoyed seeing his granddaughters star in their theatrical productions, and he even caught some of his grandsons’ wrestling meets and other activities during winters in Florida.

Jim was bigger than life when he entered a room, and his good looks and laugh lit it up. He was the life of the party and always enjoyed a good time with family and friends. Throughout the summer months, Jim’s patio and garage were the place to be after work for some laughs and cold beers. He had a large, generous heart and an even bigger garage and pole barn full of stuff—friends and family always stopped by to see Jim before buying anything for a home project, because he likely had exactly what they needed. Jim was a loving husband, proud father, adored grandfather, fun uncle, great cousin and friend and he will be dearly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife Nancy; his daughter Cheryl (Randy) Kehrmeyer; his grandchildren Mady, Taylor, Ryan and Jake; dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marlene, and dearly-missed son Gregg.

A visitation and service honoring Jim will be held at Hartson Funeral Home in Hales Corners, Wisconsin on Saturday, September 19. Visitation will be from 9 am to 11 am with a service from 11 – 11:30 am. Interment at Arlington Park Cemetery to follow.

Special thanks to the caring doctors, nurses and staff at West Allis Memorial Hospital, Tudor Oaks and Brighton Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.