James William Dahm

February 23, 1948 - December 7, 2024

James W. Dahm, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Sun Prairie, Wis., following a brief illness. He was born in Waupaca, Wis., the son of Fred and Dorothy (Wendlandt) Dahm. During the 50's the family moved to Stevens Point, and then to Beaver Dam, where he married ReaEtta Brower in 1970. Jim graduated from UW Stevens Point in 1970 with a degree in Secondary Education and went on to teach for 38 years at Sun Prairie Senior High School. He touched the lives of a great many students. Everywhere he went there was always a former student who called out "Mr. Dahm." Aside from his passion for teaching, Jim loved both classic and modern film. He loved discussing movies, books, politics, and philosophy. His passions also included auto racing. He was Dick Trickle's number one fan. He loved to talk and was always up for a good conversation with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Fred and Ed. He is survived by his wife, ReaEtta; daughter, Lindsey, of Lake Elmo, Minn.; his brother-in-law, John Brower, of Beaver Dam, and most recently Milwaukee; his sisters-in-law, Nancy Hull, of Stoughton, and Mary Dahm, of Stevens Point; nieces and nephews, Katie Brower (Chicago), Alex Brower (Milwaukee), Anna Anderson (Stoughton), Cole Ries (Blaine, MN), Katie (Dahm) Patchin (Poynette), and Matthew Dahm (Madison).

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Details will be forthcoming. The family would also like to extend the warmest thank you to Agrace Hospice for the tender care the nurses, CNAs, and social worker provided Jim. He always greeted them with a grateful smile for the comfort that they provided him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Madison.com on Dec. 14, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Dahm

Sponsored by Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation South Shore Chapel - South Milwauk.

28 Entries

John Brower

February 17, 2025

I first met Jim in the Spring of 1963. I was in seventh grade, Jim in ninth and beginning a long-lasting relationship with my sister Rea. I have known Jim for over sixty years. Jim and I were not only related through his marriage to my sister but through many things we had in common. I miss him. I miss him every day. I wish I could still talk with him. I will never forget him. He was as close to being my brother as anyone I have known. Rest in peace my friend. I wish you hadn't left so soon. With an ache in my heart, your brother-in-law forever, John Brower

Dave Veenendaal

February 17, 2025

Great friend, sense of humor, conversationalist, NASCAR, movies old and new, Tommy Emmanuel, truth; relative and/or absolute, email with edgy cartoons (sometimes Lindsey originated), politics and books - I do miss our monthly 3-hour sit-downs at Sir Hobo's, Gus's, and finally Culver's.

STEPHANIE BERNANDER

January 15, 2025

Jim was such a wonderful friend and co-worker. He will always be fondly remembered for his kindness and support when I was new at SPHS. Such a special human.

Dena Gedko Class of 1986

January 6, 2025

He was a wonderful teacher. Wonderful man.

Keri Quinlan

December 19, 2024

Mr. Dahm, my heart is so heavy that you are no longer with us. However, heaven gained a fantabulous angel! You'll be missed, but never forgotten! Hugs & love to your family.

John R. Brower

December 18, 2024

I have known Jim for over 60 years. His input in my life decisions was something that I always sought, and he willingly gave to me. He will be sorely missed. He was a great brother-in -law to me. Irreplaceable!!

Jennifer MacRostie

December 16, 2024

Mr. Dahm was my favorite teacher more than 30 years ago. He really understood kids on a different level and he helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life at a time when I was very clueless. He also is the person who introduced me to my favorite book. All in the course of being a regular teacher. I´m sure he influenced so many kids in the same way. I am a better person for having known Mr. Dahm. I hope that his legacy is a comfort in your time of grief. He meant so much to the community.

Fred& Cheri Brower

December 16, 2024

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Thinking of you & keeping you in our prayers. Always looked forward to seeing him & chatting. Truly a kind man. Our condolences to your family.

John Brady

December 16, 2024

I´ll always think of him when I hear Zuzu´s Pedals while watching It´s A Wonderful Life. I know he got his wings, but we have lost a real light.

Michelle Miller

December 15, 2024

I had Mr. Dahm for Communications in 1977ish. He was fun and challenging at the same time. Just what I needed. He was also a good friend and poker buddy to my dad, who taught history across the hall. I remember them having laughing jags over some weird thing or another. Sympathies to the family along with great memories!

Paul D Suchomel

December 15, 2024

So sorry from old neighbors at 119 tower dr

Dave & Nancy Veenendaal

Planted Trees

Amy Ericksen

December 14, 2024

Mr. Dahm was one of my absolute favorite teachers! He was smart and funny and actually made learning fun! Prayers for his family

Gregg Stephan

December 14, 2024

I cared for the Dahms cat Lilly . I always enjoyed talking to him and my staff always scheduled me for extra time with him as we talked endlessly to solve all the world's problems. I will miss those chats!

Travis Legler

December 14, 2024

Mr. Dahm is one of three teachers I will never forget. I had so much fun discussing film with him. Having him show me the different way films show themes without us even knowing it. I´ll never forget the poster of doom. RIP sir, you were an amazing teacher.

Sharon Bessa

December 14, 2024

Rea - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jim was surely a well-loved man. My heart goes out to you.

Alan Altmann Altmann

December 14, 2024

Beautiful guy. Great teacher. Witty, smart, humble. Loved that guy. Blessings to the family. Alan Altmann

Alan Altmann Altmann

December 14, 2024

Jim was a great man. He always brought out the best in his students, family and friends. I was a student, and a friend for many years after school. Just beautiful, smart and witty man. He touched my life in many positive ways. Bless you Jim, and family

Alan "Big Al" Altmann.

John K Holmes

December 14, 2024

Mr Dahm was my teacher and after school became a friend and worked for me at Angell Park Speedway. He was an inspiration to everyone that met him, sorry for your loss of a husband, dad, ect. RIP Jim

Christine Dobbs

December 14, 2024

I had Mr Dahm as a teacher in high school! He is only 1 of a few i still remember that taught me. He made a big impact at SPHS!

Susan Mitchell Atkinson

December 14, 2024

Mr. Dahl shared teaching my 6th grade class at Southside Elementary with Mr. French.

Brian Riek

December 14, 2024

He was one of the best instructors that I have ever had. Mr. Dahm was personable and caring, truly a wonderful person- he will be missed. Condolences to the family.

Ed Dubuc

December 14, 2024

Jim was my next-door neighbor for several years. Loved when I first meet him, he was sporting a nice ponytail like mine. He was a soft-spoken man and didn't seem to get too riled up. Loved running into him in the yard to talk about everyday life. He will certainly be missed. Rea, praying for you to have strength during these difficult times. Just sad News.

Matthew Dahm

December 13, 2024

I loved my uncle Jim and I will miss him greatly. He touched so many lives. Today, December 13, I ran into a former student of Jim´s at the Willy St Co-op. I can´t believe he´s gone but it sounds like he passed peacefully.

Scott Fransee

December 13, 2024

Mr. Dahm was undoubtedly the most influential teacher I had at any level of education. A mentor who became a friend and someone who I will always idolize and aspire to become. His smile was contagious and his positive outlook, no matter how dire the situation, was infectious. I will always remember our conversations before 1st hour Public Speaking and Mass Communication at SPHS. Thank you for everything you taught me and helped me work through then and now.

Hitchcock Rules

Cinda Wayland

December 13, 2024

Jim was truly a good friend. I worked with him for many years. He was not only a teacher to his students but also a mentor and leader. Jim will be missed by all.

Rollie Holdorf

December 13, 2024

Jim was my college room mate for two years at UW-Stevens Point. He was one of the nicest and most intelligent people I've ever known. We would talk music , politics and everything else under the sun. Rest in peace dear Jim,

Chuck

December 12, 2024

Jim and his wife trusted a young boy many years ago to play the organ for their wedding. The young boy had never played for a wedding. He was also the playground director at Tahoe where the young boy met him. Though I haven´t seen him in decades, I will from time to time communicate with his wife. This saddens me. It also reminds me of a young couple many years ago who had faith in me. My thoughts and prayers to Rae and all who will feel his absence.

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