James Charles Gaskell

James Charles Gaskell

VIROQUA - James Charles Gaskell, 87, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Vernon Manor in Viroqua, WI.

He leaves his sister, Joanne Hanaway; his son and daughter-in-law Tim and Jane Gaskell; his two daughters and sons-in-law, Lee Ann and Paul Walters and Kate and John Mickus; his grandchildren: Sara (Aaron), Travis, Cameron, Owen, and Emily (Richie); his great-grandchildren: Graham, Selah, and Griffin; and loving friends.

Born and raised in East Troy, WI, the son of James and Ruth Gaskell, he met his loving wife, Judith Wilger Gaskell, in Madison, WI where he attended university at UW-Madison graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering.

He pursued his career in Engineering for 55 years, finally retiring from part-time consulting at the age of 82. He worked with Warzyn Engineering for his first 30 years and then formed his own company, Gaskell Engineering, to finish out his last 25 years as a consultant for multiple businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.

In his youth and early adult years Jim enjoyed all types of athletic pursuits from football to basketball to golf. His sport he excelled at most was baseball. His passion for the sport extended to his son and daughters with him coaching their baseball and softball teams.

He was always up for a game of H-O-R-S-E on the driveway basketball court or being full-time quarterback for the annual Turkey Bowl game. He was a devoted Badgers, Packers and Brewers fan. You would be hard pressed to see him without some hat, jacket or sweatshirt with one of these team logos.

Jim also loved the culture of Madison. He enjoyed being a member of a local ballroom dancing club with his wife, Judy, and attending theater performances at the Overture Center multiple times per year. Living near the arboretum allowed Jim to enjoy many mornings walking and jogging the arboretum roads and trails. He even had a friendly pheasant join him on multiple jogs along the road!

Ultimately, the thing that drew family and friends to Jim was his kindness and gentleness. His easy smile and infectious laughter. He enjoyed a wonderful sense of humor and will be remembered by us all for his love and commitment to each of us as husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

There will be an intimate family service to celebrate Jim's life. Jim and Judy were life-long supporters of the UW-Arboretum. If you would like to make a donation in his honor, please do so at https://arboretum.wisc.edu/get-involved/donate/

Online condolences can be made at www.rothfamilycremation.com.