James J. Podell

About

University of Michigan

James Podell Obituary

James J. Podell was surrounded by family and friends when he passed away on January 29, 2005 at the age of 64 after a courageous four-year battle against cancer. Loving husband for 34 years of Peggy (nee Donovan). Devoted father of Laura (Ilker) Bizer and Elizabeth (Steven) England. Proud and loving grandfather of Kaan and Tolga Bizer and

Riley and Benjamin England. Dear brother of Richard (Penny) Podell, uncle to Todd (Lisa) Podell and Tasha

(Aaron) Tilock, and great uncle to Garrett and Harris Podell and Alexander Tilock. Nephew of Jerome

(Charlotte) Sherkow and Joan Miller. Further survived by dear cousins and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Ruth (nee Sherkow) Podell, his sister Judith Podell, and his step-mother, Della Podell.

Jim received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Michigan. He remained a true and loyal fan of the Michigan teams and was forever grateful for the education the University afforded him. Jim served as President of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and Chair of the Family Law Sections of the Milwaukee Bar Association, the State Bar of Wisconsin, and the American Bar Association. He was named in every edition of the publication The Best Lawyers in America from its inception in 1983 to the present and was recognized as one of the best lawyers in various other publications including Milwaukee Magazine and the National Law Journal.

In 1981, he formed a company that provided continuing legal education programs for lawyers throughout the country up to 2004, when his health curtailed his ability to do so. Through those years, he helped to educate literally thousands of lawyers across the country in various areas of the law.

While proud of his achievements in the legal field, his family and friends were far more important to Jim than any honors that may have been bestowed upon him over the years. By his example, he showed us how to live life to the fullest, even in the face of death. A truly loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend he will be missed tremendously, but shall live on in our memories.

The family would like to thank Dr. Howard Dubner and the staff of Oncology Alliance of Wisconsin, the nurses and staff on the 5th floor of Columbia Hospital, the outpatient departments of both Columbia and St. Mary's/Columbia Hospital, Dr. Scott Jorgensen and the nursing staff of The Highlands at Newcastle for their care of and concern for Jim. The family would especially like to thank Manny and Mowie of Creative Dimensions in Care for their devotion and assistance to Jim over the past six months.

Visitation will be held on February 2, 2005 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Congregation Shalom, 7630 North Santa Monica Boulevard, with services following at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Second Home Cemetery, 3705 South 43 Street, Milwaukee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, the University of Michigan Law School, or the charity of your choice.

M GO BLUE

BLANE GOODMAN FUNERAL SERVICE

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for James Podell

8 Entries

Marshall Zubatsky

February 5, 2005

Jim, Dick, my brother and I, all grew up together. We played sports, talked, and I remember Jim was hooked on radio disc jockeys. As adults we didn't see each other that often, but when we did, Jim and Peggy were always friendly and we reminisced. Jim was so strong during this final ordeal, and I will miss him.

Babette Zubatsky Ellis

February 4, 2005

We will miss a true "family" man who showed us great courage in these last few years. Our thoughts and strength go out to his family, during this difficult time.

Bob and Babette Zubatsky Ellis

Julie Revers

February 1, 2005

Peggy and family: I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Jim was an exceptional family man and an outstanding professional - and he will be missed by so many. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Katie Winscher

February 1, 2005

Jim- Was an interesting challenge on 5 West but once I got to know the specifics of his needs he was a very special patient. I am relieved to know that he died surrounded by his family. His entire family touched my life and he is a patient that will never be forgotten by all the staff on 5 West. He taught everyone about living life to the fullest. God Bless Him and His family. Columbia 5 West Staff and Katie.

Eileen and Donald Schiller

January 31, 2005

Jim will always be remembered by us as a good and devoted friend; a man that loved and took great pride in his family; a lawyer and scholar; and a leader who inspired others to excellence. He was one of a kind with incredible strength and determination, but with a warm and good heart. His spirit lives on through Peggy, his children and grandchildren. He has given them the priceless gift of a good name.

JoAnn Kolb

January 31, 2005

Peggy, Beth and Laura,

My deepest sympathy to you and your families. I know it has been a difficult four years and it is good to know he has found a peace. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Hugs,

JoAnn Kolb

Fran & Eliot Huxley

January 31, 2005

With our deepest sympathy on the loss of this exceptional man. May his wonderful memories be with you always.

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