James W. Specht

James W. Specht, 76, of Loveland, Colorado, formerly of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, passed away on February 20, 2026, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. Jim was born on June 13, 1949, in Madison, WI, to William and Mary Specht. He grew up in Prairie du Chien, WI where he lived, played, worked, and raised his family until he retired in 2023.

Jim is survived by his wife and best friend, Mary Beth Specht. For 33 years, they journeyed through life together delighted in sharing life's simple pleasures discovering favorite restaurants, encouraging their children's sporting, academic and professional pursuits, exploring the countryside on long drives, training for and competing in triathlons together, teaming up in best-shot golf tournaments and making annual ski trips to Colorado.

Jim is also lovingly remembered by his children: Matthew (Stacy) Specht of Ridgefield CT; Nathan (Alexis) Specht of Aurora, Colorado; stepdaughter Jennifer Titkemeier of Wesley Chapel, Florida; and stepson Michael (Colleen) Mayer of Austin, Texas. Jim was profoundly proud of his children and their accomplishments in life. He is also survived by his sisters Barb (Stan) Toberman and Margaret "Peggy" (Kurt) Smith both of Prairie du Chien. Jim had the greatest affection for his sisters and the laughs and times they shared over the years. Jim was a loving grandfather to Charlotte and Carter Specht; Sara Beth and Emily Titkemeier, Ethan and Weston Mayer and Ruby Specht, born just 10 days after his passing. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Andrew Specht; his daughter Elizabeth Specht; his wife Marilyn Bjorton Specht and his son-in-law Scott Titkemeier.

His family was his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. Jim cherished every moment with his family whether it was a competitive game night, holiday traditions, cheering loudly at football games, special family dinners or a final ski trip to Crested Butte, Colorado with those he loved most.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in Political Science, Jim lived a life devoted to his family, teaching and providing his loved ones with a sense of joy, security and belonging. He served as a police officer in Eau Claire, WI, and later owned and operated Specht's IGA in Prairie du Chien. Later in life, Jim returned to school and earned a degree in Special Education from Upper Iowa University. From October 1995 to June 2023 Jim dedicated nearly three decades as a High School Special Education teacher at Wyalusing Academy and New Frontier Academy in Prairie du Chien. He brought joy and laughter to learning and was respected and loved by his students. He profoundly impacted the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jim believed in second chances, steady encouragement and meeting every student with dignity and respect.

Jim was unapologetically himself and always knew how to make a person feel accepted, appreciated, and valued. His warmth, generosity, and unmistakable sense of humor made him a friend to everyone he met. Jim's superpower was bringing light, laughter and joy to his friends, and family when they needed it the most.

He found great happiness in cheering on the Wisconsin Badger football team and the Green Bay Packers, as well as taking long bike rides, hiking in the mountains, skiing the groomed slopes of his favorite Colorado resorts, and playing golf with his family. The Rocky Mountains gave him an exuberance for life, and he spent his final years embracing a life well lived. After retiring Jim and Mary Beth settled in Loveland, Colorado where he felt truly at home in the Foot Hills.

Jim's life was one of dedication to his family, his students, his colleagues, and his faith in the goodness of people. His legacy of kindness, humor, and unconditional love will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

A Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be Monday, June 22, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John's Church of the Holy Family Parish, Fr. Brandon Guenther officiating, with inurnment in the Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Grau Funeral Homes and Cremation Services of Prairie du Chien, WI, has been entrusted with assisting the family with services.