James J. ?Jim? Rechlitz

On Labor Day of 1960, Jim and I started our 6 month active duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After Basic Training, we were flown to Monterey, CA and served the the remainder of our active duty at Fort Ord. When our active duty was over, I came back to Milwaukee and took a job working as a merchandiser for Schlitz in Peoria, Il. I joined the 33rd Division National Guard which transferred me out of the 32nd Division so I wasn't part of the 32nd Division's one-year assignment to Fort Lewis, Washington.

I moved around from Peoria to Greensboro, NC, Duluth, MN, St. Louis, Mo, Chicago, Il, Minneapolis, MN and Chicago again. Finally I came back to Milwaukee where I joined a group that bought the Milwaukee Branch (Miller Brands) from Miller Brewing Company for Milwaukee County on July 1, 1983. I finished my career and retired as Chairman of Miller Brands in May 2002.

During the time at Miller Brands, I contacted Jim and he came out to Miller Brands where we reminisced about our time on active duty.

Seeing Joel this morning in a TV interview caused me to look up Jim's obituary and send my condolences to honor a fine guy.
Paul Roller

Sad to hear of the passing of my good friend and mentor Jim. Always miss his whistle when playing ball. Playing third with Jim at first was always fun. Always knew I just had to get it close........ I still play and coach hardball and to this day I think of Jim when I throw to first and especially when I play first. I learned from one of the best. You are now truly in 'God's Country" Jimmy. Rest in peace, my friend. John, I wish I had Joel and your phone numbers so I could talk to you both about your remarkable dad.