James “Jim” B. Mikolajek

Mikolajek, James B. “Jim”

Surrounded by family and in the loving care of his wife Julie, Jim entered Eternal Life on January 23, 2026, at the age of 78. His family includes his beloved wife Julie Anne Mikolajek (Mirzejewski) of 56 years, sons David Mikolajek (Susan Zeqiri) and Brian Mikolajek (Colleen Boltz) and daughter Aimee Jorjani (Daniel Jorjani). Jim was the proud Grandpa of Nickolas, Lucy and Flora Jorjani in addition to several grand dogs. He is preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Bernice. He is survived by his sister Jayne (Tom) Kintop and sisters-in-law Cris (Monica) Selin, Terri (Bill) Michels, Mary Beth Gruenewald, and Michele (Rob) Bohlmann, in addition to nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim was born on November 21, 1947, in Milwaukee. He attended Milwaukee Boy’s Tech and graduated in 1966, the same year he met the love of his life, Julie, at a dance. Shortly after, he joined the United States Air Force and served in Cam Ranh Bay Air Base in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. During his time in service, he and Julie were engaged and later married on September 20, 1969. He was stationed for the remainder of his time in service in Minot, ND where their son David was born and returned to Milwaukee. The twins, Brian and Aimee arrived seven years later. Jim built a career in sales at American Paper & Packaging for over 20 years before starting his own company, Milwaukee Paper & Packaging.

Jim played social and church softball, flag football, dart ball and golf leagues regularly and enjoyed fishing whenever he could. He later took up cross country skiing after a trip up north witnessing the American Birkeneiner and vowed to do the race the following year. True to his word, Jim completed two Kortelopet races – 29 kilometers, classic – and went on to complete the 53-kilometer classic Birkebeiner in his 40s. He passed down his love of sports coaching basketball, football and softball for all three of his children. That love grew as a grandfather regularly traveling to his grandchildren’s Little League games in Virginia and enthusiastically following their various sports seasons. Jim also served as athletic director at St. Anthony of Padua grade school and was actively involved in the Father’s Club at Pius XI High School. His love of being around people and sports also led to a job ushering at Miller Park in his retirement.

Above all else, Jim fiercely loved his wife, children, including his children’s friends, and had quite the soft spot for his grandchildren. He taught those around him the value of hard work and shared his love of sports and competition, as well as his sense of humor. The family is deeply grateful for the many years of special care and attention given by Dr. Katie R. Hausmann and the staff at Horizon Home Care.

Visitation will be at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM with a brief Service at 5:00 PM.

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