Richard A. James

1947 - 2025

Fort Atkinson, WI - Richard "Rick" A. James, 78, Fort Atkinson, Wis., passed away at 4:42 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at University Hospital in Madison, Wis.

Born July 15, 1947, in Rockford, Ill., he was the son of Leland and Hazel (Johnson) James. His father died when Rick was 17, prompting Rick to become the head of household.

He graduated from Rockford East High School in 1964 and earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Carthage College, Kenosha, in 1971.

That same year, Rick moved to Fort Atkinson, where he began teaching in the high school Music Department. There, he formed the R.J. Singers swing choir, which later became known as the South High Street Singers. He also served as musical director for school and community productions.

After 10 years of teaching, he joined Bob Shorey at Northwest Mutual Insurance. In 1983, Rick was hired as a teller at First American Bank & Trust, now PremierBank. He worked his way up the career ladder as customer service representative, personal banking assistant, new account manager, branch manager and assistant vice president. He retired as vice president of personnel in September 2024.

Rick married Vicki Ciaglo of Fort Atkinson on June 10, 1978, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rick sang two solos, including "The Lord's Prayer," and the high school choir also sang.

They have two sons, Nicholas and Bradley.

Rick was very active in the Fort Atkinson Lions Club, serving in key offices such as a board of directors member; treasurer; third-, second- and first vice presidents; membership director and president.

In fact, he was "strongly encouraged" - as part of Vicki's dowry - to join the Lions by his soon-to-be father-in-law, Walter Ciaglo.

In May 2014, the Lions Club presented Rick with its Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest form of recognition given by the civic organization.

Rick also was instrumental in the Fort Atkinson Barbershop Chorus and Fort Atkinson Community Theatre. He both directed and performed in the "Blackhawk!" pageant and was the master of ceremonies and singer for the Miss Fort Fest pageants.

He directed the choir at First United Methodist Church and later at Trinity Lutheran Church until his passing. In addition, for many years, he organized and directed the Fort Atkinson Ecumenical Church Choir Concerts.

Rick worked security for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers, often in the Buckingham Club, for about 15 years.

Rick also volunteered his time and skills with Brad's Boy Scout troop and at St. Joseph Catholic School when his sons attended there.

Throughout his life, he was extremely proud of former students who continued with their music, some even on the international stage.

Rick is survived by his wife of 48 years, Vicki; two sons, Nick (Kellie) James, of Weston, Conn., and Brad (significant other Natalie Bretl) James, of Milwaukee; two grandsons, Weston, 10, and Caden, 7, of Weston, Conn.; two brothers, Tom (Nancy) James, of Overland Park, Kansas; and Jeff James, of East Moline, Ill.; nephews; nieces; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Hannah James in May 2017, parents, aunts and uncles.

The funeral service will take place at noon Monday, Oct. 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Burial will be at 1 p.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Fort Atkinson Lions Club Foundation, UW Health Carbone Cancer Center or Trinity Lutheran Church Choir.

Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family.

R.J.'s family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at SSM Health Heart & Vascular Care Center (St. Mary's Hospital), Madison; Lake Mills Health Services; and University Hospital.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com