James John "Jim" Jendusa

James John Jendusa, otherwise known as Jim or "Buckshot", passed away peacefully into Eternal Life, June 14, 2024, in Highland Park, IL at 90 years old. He was born on May 24, 1934, to Francis and Jennie, (nee Pernice) Jendusa in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

As a kid, Jim would often hang out at the corner Pharmacy and enjoy Chocolate Milk Shakes. From the age of fourteen, he knew he would be a pharmacist! Jim proudly graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, School of Pharmacy, in June of 1956. He completed all internships, medical rotations, and oral and written exams required from The WISCONSIN STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY starting June 21, 1954, through April 12, 1957.

Jim opened his first Pharmacy in Waukesha in the 1960's and continued expanding his practice to bridge the gaps in care.

He loved serving the people in his community. He worked throughout his days educating patients, giving advice, and following up with their care. Jim had a special passion for the residents of Waukesha County.

Strong leadership in our country, was important to Jim. He was a true Patriot. He volunteered with Reserve Officers Training Corps as a college student in Madison, August of 1954. He continued to serve our country as a Reserve Commissioned Officer of the Army under the Reserve Officer Personnel Act of 1954 through June of 1964, aligned with the HEADQUARTERS FIFTH UNITED STATES ARMY. He was an Officer, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Army Medic, and Commanding General, XIV United States Army Reserve.

Jim met the love of his life on a double date in Milwaukee. The rest is history. He married Janet Marie Thomson in June of 1960 and was happily married for 62 years. They had three children: Jean Marie, James Francis, and Jerald Matthew.

Besides being a loving husband and father, Jim would work at one of his Pharmacies, go fishing, small game hunting, deer and elk hunting, golfing, playing bridge or sheepshead. He enjoyed indoor cooking and outside grilling. A few of his favorites were making fresh, fried, breaded perch in a cast iron skillet with rye bread and onions, along with a Sicilian pot of sugu.



Jim is preceded in death by his late wife Janet Jendusa and daughter-in-law Carrie Jendusa.

Jim is survived by daughter, Jean Jendusa (Norman Pettigrew), son, James Francis Jendusa; son, Jerald (Becky) Jendusa; and 11 grandchildren, Monique (Max) Pettigrew, Jacqueline Pettigrew, Madeline Pettigrew, Gina Jendusa, Alyssa Jendusa, Sara Jendusa, Nathan Jendusa, Joshua Jendusa, Joseph Jendusa, Abbi Smith, and Ava Smith.

August 1, 2024, a Celebration of Life Prayer Service will begin at 3:00 pm with a Mass following at 4:00 pm St. Mary's Catholic Church (225 South Hartwell Ave) Waukesha, WI 53186. Immediately following the mass will be a Reception at Tuscan Hall (409 Delafield Street) Waukesha, WI 53188.

Contributions in Jim's memory can be made to Catholic Memorial, Catholic grade schools, Medical College of Milwaukee, Froedtert, or the Alzheimer's Research Foundation. In lieu of flowers, the Legacy Memorial Tree Program (1-800-611-0874) is an option to have a tree planted in remembrance of Jim.

"Salute" To One of a Kind