of Richfield, WI, passed away on August 23, 2026, at the age of 82. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (nee Ruggles) Archibald; children Annette Przybyl & her husband, Charles J. Przybyl III and Andrew Archibald & his wife, Rachel Archibald; grandchildren Brian Gliszinski & his wife, Tianna Gardner, Cassandra Gliszinski & her husband, Thomas Levini, and Benjamin Archibald. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred & Helen Archibald and his parents-in-law, Wilferd & Johanna Ruggles.
Jim was an only child, born In Iron Mountain, MI and raised in Kingsford, MI. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1962. He then attended Michigan Technological University until he was drafted by the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam from October of 1966 through September of 1968. Jim was honored with the merit of a Purple Heart during his service, as well as the Vietnam Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Upon his return, he completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan Technological University and earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He went on to earn his master’s degree from Michigan Tech as well, also in electrical engineering.
After being introduced by some mutual acquaintances, Jim and Marilyn married on August 14, 1971. They have lovingly stood by one another and cared for one another for 55 years. Married in Milwaukee, Jim and Marilyn called a few different places in Michigan home before returning to Wisconsin where they lived in Fond du Lac for some time before they designed and built their forever home in Richfield where they have resided for more than 43 years. It was there that they raised their two children, Annette and Andy.
Jim had a passion for computers, programming and technology. He worked for several companies in a variety of roles before ultimately entering self-employment as the owner of Computer Consulting and Engineering (CCE). He has passed along that love of engineering to his son Andy and grandchildren Brian and Cassie, who all have degrees in engineering as well.
Jim loved nothing more than to be around people and strike up conversation – whether at the bank, grocery store or auto shop. He preferred to do everything in person that he could.
Jim treasured his grandchildren and the time he spent with them. Whether it was hosting sleepovers, attending their sporting events, babysitting or driving them to appointments, he was in his glory being Bampa or Papa to each of them. Until his final days, he continued to ask about them and what was new and how they were.
Jim was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed rooting on the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Wild (NHL), the Milwaukee Bucks and the Milwaukee Brewers. He was also an enthusiast of space and astronomy, news, weather, history, electronics and enjoyed reading about technological and scientific advances.
Jim will be remembered for his always optimistic, laid-back demeanor, his compassion and desire to help others. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home from 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM followed by a funeral service at 4:30 PM.
If you wish, memorial donations can be given in honor of Jim to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/ .
