James L. “Jim” McNelly
March 29, 1948 – January 28, 2026
James L. “Jim” McNelly, went home to his Lord and Savior on the sunny morning of January 28, 2026 at the age of 77.
Jim was born on March 29, 1948 in Richland Center, Wisconsin to James M. and Olga (“June”) McNelly. The big brother to Danny, Mary, and Mike, it was clear where he enjoyed being – the outdoors. As a boy he enjoyed being outside so much that his mother often had to call repeatedly for him to come in for supper, only to find him tucked away in the bushes or wandering nearby fields and woods hunting with Danny, no matter the weather. When he was about four years old, his family moved to New Berlin, Wisconsin for better employment and educational opportunities, where he and his siblings all graduated from New Berlin High School.
Jim attended UW-Waukesha for two years and enlisted in the Army in 1968. Jim married Karen (nee Cook) on July 5, 1969, just seven weeks before leaving for Vietnam. There, he served as a warrant officer and helicopter pilot from 1969 to 1970 with the U.S. Army 1st Air Cavalry Division. After returning to the United States, he continued his service as a flight instructor in Texas. His final day with the U.S. Army was December 25, 1970. He carried his pride and responsibility of his time in the service quietly and faithfully throughout his life; stories he shared were about the friends he served alongside.
In 1971, Jim and Karen returned to Wisconsin and Jim completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology from UW-Milwaukee. Afterward, he spent five years working at Limnetics Environmental Corporation (which later became Camp & Dresser McGee (CDM)/California), before joining the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) where he built a meaningful 35-year career as a fisheries biologist, land manager, and water resources director for the Southeast Region. His work reflected both his appreciation of the outdoors and his commitment to serving others. From winter dives in Lake Michigan partaking in the restoration of sports fisheries to helping ensure outdoor opportunities were accessible to all, Jim and his colleague’s goals were to protect Wisconsin’s natural resources for future generations. He was widely respected not only for sharing his knowledge but also for his generosity in sharing it. Jim also volunteered in many capacities including at church through numerous mission trips and was generous with his time and knowledge, always willing to help a friend, neighbor, or stranger at a moment’s notice. Jim lived with a true servant’s heart – always placing the needs of family, friends and the community before his own because he genuinely cared for others.
After retirement, Jim spent many happy hours in his garage crafting special wood projects, many of which he made using antique tools, and gave as Christmas gifts to loved ones. Jim also enjoyed baking, especially pie with a homemade dough recipe, a tradition passed down from his Grandma – he would pass down to his children and grandchildren. A favorite Thanksgiving memory, was the year he, Karen, and Molly made 16 pies for 14 guests. One can never have enough pie! Music was another lifelong joy. A self-taught musician with a melodic voice, Jim played guitar, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica, favoring country western and gospel. He often joined local jam sessions and was part of a band. Even during his final days in the hospital, Jim could still be found playing music in a common area for his fellow patients as well as for the staff who cared for him. And last but not least, the outdoors was never simply a pastime for Jim – it was where he felt most at home. Whether hunting duck, deer, turkey, pheasant, fishing on the lake for panfish, tending the garden with Karen, or simply watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand, and usually with a dog by his side, Jim took every opportunity to be outside. Even in later years he still had to be called inside daily by Karen – just as he had when he was a boy.
Jim’s greatest joy, however, was his family and we suspect his dogs. He and Karen raised their children Matt and “Molly” (Kathryn) on Willow Springs Lake, where the outdoors and his constant companions, always retrievers (as he lovingly referred to as “varmints”) became part of daily, family life. Later, his grandchildren Katelyn and Madeline brought him immeasurable pride and joy. Like their grandpa, they share a love of the outdoors, music, and dogs.
The hills, valleys, and creeks of Richland County always remained a place close to Jim’s heart. Throughout his life he returned there to reconnect with the land and with family, continuing the outdoor traditions that had shaped him from the very beginning.
Those who knew Jim remember his gentle spirit, humility, and deep kindness. He had an easy sense of humor, always with a smile on his face, and was often the quiet peacekeeper in any room.
On the morning of January 28, 2026, Jim was called home by his Lord and Savior. We trust he heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”. We imagine him now reunited with loved ones and dear friends who went before him; and with a fly rod in hand, we expect he found a cool and quiet stretch of living waters, surrounded by a beauty greater than we can yet imagine.
Jim is deeply missed by his beloved wife Karen; his devoted children Matt and Jen McNelly and Molly and Dan Bell; and his adored granddaughters Katelyn and Madeline McNelly. His siblings Danny (Kathy) McNelly, Mary (Mike – deceased) Rydberg, and Mike (Amelita) McNelly, and special brother-in-law Tom (Marcia) Cook were dear to him. And he cherished extended family and many friends whose lives were enriched simply by knowing him. His loyal and alert retrievers, who were so often by his side, still keep watch each day, unaware he has found his way to his eternal home.
Please join the McNelly family on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a celebration of Jim’s life at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 930 Main Street, Mukwonago, Wisconsin 53149. Visitation begins at 9:30 AM, followed by an 11:00 AM service led by the family’s pastor, Nathan Schindler. In lieu of flowers, the family is working to set-up a fund for donations to be given for future public access projects; additional information will be provided before and at the celebration of life.
The family would like to thank the medical and nursing staff at the Milwaukee and Oconomowoc Veterans Affairs (VA) Facilities, ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital, and Milwaukee Rehabilitation Hospital for their dedication and compassion.
