James A. White

James A. White passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on July 29, 2026, at LakeHouse assisted living in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

Jim was born on May 14th, 1933, on the family farm. He attended Waterloo High School where he met his lifelong love Delores “Dee” Wilke whom he married after graduation.

Jim started in farming at his family’s farm in Waterloo, then began a lifetime career at Perry Printing. Over his tenure in printing, he quickly moved up the ladder and became the head of quality control. In this role, he traveled often to meet with customers, speak at seminars and later became a consultant to help others.

It was in this role that he started his love for golf. Often golfing as a business activity of working with customers he found his lifelong passion. Later in life Jim and Dee would take many vacations which included golfing. After retirement, they became snowbirds, spending the winter in Florida in a home on the golf course where they played often.

Being raised in a musical family, Jim developed a love of music and started playing tuba and the bass at an early age. He would spend the next 70 years playing in a variety of bands, most notably the Jimmy Hartwig Orchestra. As a band member, he developed many good friends and also had the opportunity to play alongside his 2 brothers.

Jim bought a boat and there were often trips to the lakes in the area. Then he purchased the fixer upper on Lake Ripley. Boating, waterskiing, tubing and cookouts at the lake became an extended family event while the family and grandkids grew up. This also became home in Wisconsin for the snowbirds.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering integrity, and love for his family. His laughter and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him. His loving marriage was an example for his family to follow.

Jim is survived by: his children Susan Benesch (Lonnie) and Cindy Osiecki (Mark); five grandchildren Melissa Chadwick (Ryan), Heidi Wells (Justin), Dustin Benesch (Amber), Michael Osiecki and David (Sarah Canty) Osiecki; 6 great-grandchildren Drew, Brody, Nolan, Caryn, Violet and Jade; brother Roger (Lynn) White; sister-in-law Ellen White; and special friend Mikki Dempsey.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife Delores, and his brother Gerald.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 7, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church of Waterloo with Rev. Charles Learman presiding. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Jim will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Delores at Oak Hill Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the White House of Music Foundation. 

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Rainbow Hospice and LakeHouse for the loving care provided to Jim.