James B. Ptaschinski

James Barry Ptaschinski, 94, of Watertown, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Azura Memory Care in Oak Creek. 

Jim was born July 13, 1930, in Beaver Dam, the son of Fred and Alice (Callahan) Ptaschinski. 

Jim graduated from Beaver Dam High School and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in art education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he played in the marching band and continued to be a proud Badger for his entire life. His first teaching job was in Savannah, Ill., where he met Janice Rasmussen and later married her in Clinton, Iowa, on August 23, 1958. They then started their life together in Watertown, where Jim taught art for 32 years, mainly at Riverside Junior High.

Jim’s artistic talent and sense of humor lent themselves to creating funny cartoons and caricatures, which he made for friends and sometimes for hire. He designed the original Watertown Gosling mascot, which hung in the lobby of the old high school for years. He also served on the Watertown Arts Council Board for many years. 

Jim was an avid bicyclist and would ride 25 miles most Saturdays with his buddies. He also enjoyed tennis and even taught lessons. His love for vehicles continued throughout his life. He would go to all of the local car dealerships every year to see the new models, and many times, came home with a new one. He also enjoyed going to the EAA Air Show in Oshkosh every year. Always sociable, Jim belonged to card groups his entire life, playing mainly euchre and sheepshead, and was a member of the Watertown Elks Club for over 50 years and a life member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church.

But most of all, Jim was a family man who enjoyed playing with his daughters when they were young and telling the best bedtime stories ever.

Jim is survived by his daughters Cheryl (Gaddi) Haase and Kristi (Steven) Jagler; grandchildren Jonathan and Danielle Haase and Justin and James Jagler; and great grandchildren Aurora and Valerie Jagler. He is also survived by his very special friend Jackie Schmied, his sister-in-law Gloria Lindsey and niece Carol Wood. Jim also is survived by other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife Janice. 

Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home of Watertown. The memorial service will be held immediately after the visitation at the funeral home, with Fr. Tim Renz presiding. Jim will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery following the service. 

If desired, memorials may be made in the name of James Ptaschinski to the Watertown Humane Society.

Special thank you to Comfortably at Home LLC, Rainbow Hospice and Legacy Hospice Elm Grove who cared for our father in his final months.

The Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit www.sv-fh.com.