James “Jim” Walczak

Surrounded by his loving family, James Walter Walczak left our world at 77 to be with God on January 7th following a courageous battle that inspired everyone who knew him including his medical team. Jim was the son of Walter and Helen (nee Jaskiewicz) Walczak. He was born in Chicago and then grew up in Milwaukee.

Jim will be deeply missed by so many, especially his beloved wife Shirley who shared his passion for creating beautiful gardens at their home as well as professionally, his son Andy, his wife Balby, and his grandchildren, Jimmy, his namesake, and Yaritza, his daughter Kathleen and son Tim, and their mother Necia Brounty as well as his sister Carol and his brother Glen.

A proud UW alum, Jim earned his degree in Landscape Architecture in Madison and was a devoted Badger fan, faithful even when they lost. He started his own company, Leaf Land Landscape Design Center in Mequon, in 1986, and throughout his career, he left a legacy of beauty throughout the Greater Milwaukee area, transforming properties for his hundreds of customers and admirers—homeowners, businesspeople, and civic leaders.

Jim was very active in supporting his profession throughout his career. He served as an officer with the Wisconsin Green Industry Federation for many years, helping promote the horticultural and nursery industries. He also served on the board of Gardens Beautiful, a group of independently owned, successful garden centers, helping them succeed. He and Shirley were blessed to travel to other states and countries to see beauty growing and get inspiration.

Jim cared so much about brightening our world with gardens that he taught horticulture and design for 30-plus years at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He is still cherished to this day by his students, many of whom are active in the profession, and by his fellow teachers. He also mentored young people starting up their own design and garden firms.

Jim enjoyed fishing with friends and taking his son Tim along on a Canadian fishing trip, going to ball games with his family and friends, and spending time with his grandchildren. The magic Jim had– his positive attitude and his kindness and caring—reached everyone whose life he touched.

We are grateful to the Froedtert medical teams–doctors, nurses, specialists, PTs, Ots—all of the people that helped Jim get through his various challenges throughout the years. Several of them
came in to see him personally during his last days. We are also grateful as he was to Dr. Dan Duffy, his primary, good friend, and client.

Jim’s family welcomes you to join them in celebrating his life on January 16, 2025 at Lumen Christi Church, 2750 West Mequon Road, Mequon. Visitation from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM will precede the service at 12:00 PM.

If you would like to remember Jim, he would appreciate it if you would consider a monetary donation to Versiti or a blood donation like those that sustained him for the benefit of someone in need. Simply contact donate.wi@versiti.org. For the place closest to you, visit Versiti.org-donation-locations/Wisconsin.