James Charles Mallatt

James Charles Mallatt, of Milwaukee, beloved husband, father and friend, passed away on August 25, 2023.  Jim was born to Adolph F. and Minnie Nungesser Mallatt on February 17, 1928, in Madison.  He attended Madison West High School and graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  In 1955, he graduated from UW Law School, Order of the Coif.  

On his 17th birthday, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy.  After bootcamp, he was stationed at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, the first Navy base established on the Pacific Ocean, in Vallejo, California.  He narrowly missed being assigned to the cruiser USS Indianapolis, which was torpedoed in July 1945 and suffered a significant loss of life.  Instead of going to sea, he spent his 13 months of active service as a cook at Mare Island.  

On August 19, 1950, Jim married the love of his life, Jan Nodler.  Together, they raised their four children in Whitefish Bay.

Jim practiced law for over 50 years, most of those years as a partner at Michael, Best and Friedrich, specializing in labor law.  In 1976, he argued before the United States Supreme Court and, in 1987, was voted, by his attorney peers, one of the Best Lawyers in America.  While practicing law and afterward, Jim volunteered for 43 years as a Board Member, and ultimately Chairman of the Board, for Industries for the Blind in West Allis.  In gratitude, they dedicated the James C. Mallatt Health Center on their grounds.  

Jim was uniquely intelligent, self-confident, forthright, generous, and always entertaining.  He both strove for professional excellence and would give you the shirt off his back.  Jim was extremely proud of all four of his children and spent way too much time extolling their accomplishments to virtual strangers.  He read voraciously, loved all things finance and telling stories about his life, especially his mischievous childhood.  He was a loyal fan of all Wisconsin sports teams, and loved Goobers, cheeseburgers, large hot fudge sundaes, cruises, and Joe Van Horn Chevrolets.

Jim had a larger-than-life personality that, when left unchecked, could result in excesses.  If it was a Saturday, he was at the mall.  As a result, he amassed numerous televisions, clocks, watches, books, prints, and much jewelry for Jan.  Why buy two when you can have 20?  Jim also had a strongly contemplative and private side.  You would often find him in his den reading books on history and politics, especially about the Civil War and World War II.  

Jim is survived by his children: Jon (Marisa de los Santos), Jill (Anthony) Grant, James, and Julie (William Jenks); and his grandchildren: Justine; Alicia, Billy and Jimmy; Jackie and Allison; and Sally, Lucy and Boomer.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann, his brother, William, and his cherished wife of over 72 years, Jan.  

Jim deeply grieved Jan’s passing earlier this year, so, imagine his joy when they were reunited on August 25.  They must have been smiling as broadly as they were on their long-ago wedding day.  

Visitation and a memorial service will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park (13235 W Capital Dr., Brookfield) at 10:30 and 11:00 am, Saturday, October 14.  His inurnment will immediately follow.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to Industries for the Blind (445 S Curtis Rd., West Allis, WI 53214).