James "Jim" Leahy

James (Jim) Patrick Leahy passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at the Zilber Hospice Center in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, at the age of 83. He was the son of Weldon Carlos Leahy and Margaret Frances Leahy (née Turrish) of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Jim attended St. Stephen Catholic Grade School, graduated from Pacelli High School in 1960, and went on to earn a degree in History with a minor in Economics from Marquette University in 1964.

Shortly after graduating from college, Jim spent several months motorcycling through Europe with close friends, an adventure that included running with the bulls at the Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona. Upon his return, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and trained as a combat medic at Fort Sam Houston before being deployed to 2nd Infantry Division Headquarters at Camp Howze in South Korea. After receiving an honorable discharge in Seattle, Washington, in 1966, Jim hitchhiked much of the way back to Wisconsin because, as he liked to say, he was “not in a hurry.” He then began his career at the Stevens Point Journal, where he was a part-owner, and later retired in 1997 as Secretary-Treasurer.

In April 1967, Jim eloped with Jane Ristow of Wisconsin Rapids. They were married in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and together built a life centered on family. They raised four children: Chris (Nancy) Leahy of Oak Creek, Wisconsin; Jenny (Doug Milkowski) Leahy of Orlando, Florida; Greg (Amy) Leahy of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; and Nate (Kat) Leahy of Grayslake, Illinois. For a decade after his retirement, Jim and Jane split their time between Jupiter, Florida, and Wisconsin before settling permanently in Franklin, Wisconsin, in 2006 to be closer to their growing family.

Jim will be remembered for his good humor, cheerful laugh, quick wit, kindness, and deep generosity. He was widely read, endlessly curious, and always eager to learn. He also loved to travel and had a remarkable knowledge of sports, especially baseball. Among his many favorite memories was attending both Milwaukee Braves games in which Warren Spahn pitched a no-hitter.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; his brother, Frank (Ann) Leahy of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; his four children; and his eight cherished grandchildren: Jack, Owen, Abby, Maggie, Ben, Max, Valerie, and Ava. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, curiosity, generosity, and devotion to family.

The family will hold a private memorial in his honor. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be directed to:

• Pacelli Catholic Schools (1301 Maria Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54481)

• Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States, Central Pacific Province (10700 W Research Drive, Suite 145, Wauwatosa, WI 53226-3458)

• American Red Cross