Cover photo for James Alan Badertscher's Obituary
James Alan Badertscher Profile Photo

James Alan Badertscher

September 1, 1949 — August 20, 2025

James Alan Badertscher

James (Jim) Alan Badertscher passed from this life on August 20th, 2025, with his loving wife by his side. In addition to Shari, his wife of 47 years, Jim is survived by his sisters Darlene Brightbill of Madison, WI and Sue (Greg) Meier of Waconia, MN, a brother Lou (Olga) of Kingman, AZ, his beloved mother-in-law Colleen Davies of Sierra Vista, AZ, numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and scores of nieces and nephews. He was the son of Otto and Alma Badertscher, who preceded him in death, as well as brothers Paul, John, Bob, Leo, and Billy.

Jim was born on a dairy farm outside of Darlington, Wisconsin in 1949 and attended a one-room school through his elementary years. Growing up on that rural farm, Jim never expected to have the experiences and adventures that filled his life. He credits the guidance of his elementary teacher of five years, Mrs. Rose McDermott, for helping him see his potential. After graduating from Darlington High School in 1967, Jim attended the University of Oshkosh, Arizona State University and Oxford University to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees and became fluent in Spanish. He attended the University of Oregon, where he earned a PhD. To put himself through his university studies, Jim worked many different jobs, the most unique being a fingerprint technician with the FBI in Washington, D.C.

Jim’s professional career was in education. He was the first male kindergarten teacher in the state of Arizona for the Tempe Elementary School District and later taught second grade. He was an elementary school principal in Albany, Oregon, then an assistant superintendent in Newberg, Oregon. Because of their love of adventure, Jim and his wife Shari moved to Paraguay, South America, where Jim was Director of the American School in Asuncion. Later, they moved to El Salvador, Central America, where he was Director of the American School in San Salvador. After living internationally for six years, Jim and Shari moved to Wisconsin where Jim was Superintendent of schools for the Port Washington School District and later Interim Superintendent for the North Lake School District. Jim also worked for NEOLA as a school board policy consultant.

In his spare time, Jim gentled and trained Paso Fino horses. After retiring, he spent extensive time with his brother Leo, who had Down syndrome. Jim wrote and published stories about Leo who was such an inspiration to him. Always a gracious host, he loved cooking and entertaining family and friends. Another one of Jim’s passions was volunteering with the American Red Cross, where he assisted house fire victims, managed emergency evacuation shelters and served as a Spanish translator.

Jim spent nearly 50 years with Shari, the love of his life. Together they traveled the world, experiencing things that they had seen in schoolbooks as children, like traveling down the Amazon River and experiencing a Christmas sunrise at Machu Picchu.

Everyone who met Jim saw a gentle soul of caring, trust, honesty and integrity. His sense of humor, warmth and compassion were extended to everyone he met. With Jim’s passing, the world has become a much smaller place.

Jim’s family would like to extend their most profound thanks to the dedicated staff at The Marley House in Prescott. Their skill and kindness are unparalleled, and we were so fortunate to have them with Jim through his final journey.

Jim requested that there be no funeral or memorial services. Small gatherings of family and friends will be held in Arizona and Darlington, WI at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Jim asked that any donations be made to Hodan Community Services, an organization in Southwest Wisconsin that served his brother Leo for many years.

Hodan Community Services

941 West Fountain Street

Mineral Point, WI

53565

Or online at hodancs.org.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Alan Badertscher, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Visits: 102

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree