James R. Krafjack

James R. "Jim" "Krappy" Krafjack, 68, of Beloit, WI, joined his family on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison after a long and hard battle with congestive heart failure with his "some kind of wonderful" wife by his side.

He was born on February 12, 1958 in Beloit, WI, the son of Robert and LaVonne (Poole) Krafjack. Jim had a very special relationship with his mother; they enjoyed spending every Friday night together at local fishfry's. He was a 1976 Beloit Catholic High School graduate; where he played as the Center on the football team. He married Linnette "Linn" Everson on January 19, 2002 at the Sinnissippi Gardens in Rockford, IL. Their wedding reception was known to be the biggest gig of their lives. The once quiet and peaceful South Beloit American Legion transformed into a raucous night filled with over-the-top fun and music provided by their music families while consuming copious kegs of Killian's Red; they had seven barrels and seven bands.

Jim started his working career at The Hop and then was a Sheet Metal Fabricator for Fairbanks Morse until his retirement in 2022. He was a member of the Steel Workers Union Local #1533. Jim recruited John Ciulla to mentor and pass on his trade at Fairbanks Morse. Jim was an insatiable fanatic of sports, was a lifelong Chicago Bear fan, and had a severe passion for Drag Racing. Jim never stopped talking about Dale Earnhardt.

Music has always been a passion of Jim's. He was involved with the Folk and Blue's Fest starting in the 1980's at Beloit College, which then brought Jim to Riverfest in 1996 joining the entertainment committee and the production sound and lighting – where he worked with numerous entertainers and bands. Jim did many "Bar Gigs" He was known for "twisting" knobs and lights for Lex and Company, Pistol Pete, 529, and all the others.

Shortly after the bar scene, Jim took a step back to help co-found with his wife, Linn, Operation Ooh-Rah in 2008; doing what he loved most, sound and lights (which he had a 12-year run with.) All the while loving and supporting his family which were his pride and joy!

Jim called a Spade a Spade. He was a fighter – never giving up on anything that was truly important to him. Jim made sure that if you came to him with a question, you left with the correct answer. He was a loving husband and papa. Jim loved fishing until the grandkids got bigger than he would just sit back and watch them fish. He loved going on pontoon rides, especially when Linn fell in the river! In his free time, Jim could be found playing his guitar and harmonica; which he proudly taught his granddaughter, Kaidy Bug to play. He loved his Labradors and was a great trainer. IYKYK … KFZ and NDDA.

Survivors include his wife, Linn Krafjack; children, Henry (Jen) Pulcine, Karin (Jeremy) McFarlin, and Jeffry Pulcine; ten grandchildren, Alex (Dillon) Miller, Logun (Halie) McFarlin, Kaidy, Masun, Laicy, Aivry, Ayden, Bella, Zoey, and Madison; great-grandchildren, Levi, Everett, and Emery; father-in-law, Bud Everson; sisters-in-law, Ann Marie Buroker and Laurene (George) Fischer; several nieces and nephews, including his adopted nephew, Mitch (Kelli) Quimby; special friends, Colleen Johns, Gerry (Nancy) Mayhew, Scott (Kathy) Lanzendorfer, Pistol Pete, Clifford True, John Ciulla, Jim (Michelle) Bryant, Michelle Sorrentino, Lisa (Fred) Kopp, Brenda Wicks, Dean Edl, and the Ehle Brothers. He will be missed by all of his music mates, the guys on pool leagues, and every one of you!

Jim was predeceased by his parents; grandparents; sister, Christine Fristke; in-laws, Lucien and Leonard Buroker; special friends also known as "brothers", Jay Johns, Charlie Ransom, Jeff Runaas, and Crazy Carl Halverson.

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held later in the summer. It will be an Epic Open Jam Session, inviting all to come and share not only their music but stories. Details will follow at a later time. Linn would like an old PA to set up – please reach out to her!

Memorials to help offset Jim's end of life expenses would be greatly appreciated.