James F. Wojcik

James Fredrick Wojcik passed away on December 15th, 2021 in Spokane, Washington. He did not die alone. Jim was born the youngest of 4 children to John and Martha (Rehbein) Wojcik in Pulaski, Wisconsin on June 12, 1938. As a point of etiquette fostered by his plumber father, he always made sure to have a match with him when going to the bathroom. He grew up idolizing his brothers Eugene, Howard and his big sister Arlene. After graduation from high school, Jim moved to Madison, Wisconsin to attend college. He studied art at the University of Wisconsin. He found happiness and contentment in Madison and lived there most of his life. His studies of art led him to his great appreciation and passion for interior design. His home was always a collection of treasures he found. There was never a bare wall in his house. In fact, I don’t think there was ever a bare shelf, mantle or table to be found in Jim’s home. Ethan Allen was lucky enough to hire him after working at Manchesters by the Capital. Jim spend years helping people make their houses into beautiful homes. Many of his customers worked with him over the decades and became some of his closest friends. I am sure we all have something special in our homes that Jim helped select that remind us of him. Jim was a lifelong bachelor, but knew true love and knew himself. His home companions were a series of cats named Sam. He made a point to see family in Pulaski and in Green Bay as often as possible. He always talked with such pride and affection about his 16 nieces and nephews. Jim made a life in Madison enjoying the theatre, fish fries on Fridays, and dinner with his close circle of friends. Jim was a passionate reader of the National Inquirer, People Magazine and Architectural Digest. He had every copy to prove it. When Jim called and left a message on the phone, you always knew exactly what time it was regardless of your time zone. He spent and enjoyed hours in his garden making it a magical place. He enjoyed showing people his garden masterpiece. When Jim wasn’t gardening, he was a faithful ABC network watcher. If it wasn’t on ABC Jim probably didn’t watch it. I am sure many of you had the pleasure of enjoying a vodka tonic or two that Jim would make. He picked out the most perfect limes, had a special scrubber and squeezer that would make an amazing drink served with a perfectly folded paper towel. He also had refined taste for Decaf coffee and dark chocolate that he would enjoy daily. For many years Jim looked forward to his annual trek to Mexico with his friends. He loved having the “double bubble” at Los Arcos Hotel. Jim was a true Badger and Packers fan. He was able to watch the Bears “be owned” by the Packers one last time before he passed away. He would always surprise us with knowing the scores of the Badger games. Jim was always well groomed with a pressed shirt and armed with multiple Altoids in his front pocket. He always said “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”. Jim was a good soul and a light in this world. He made our journey better, each one of us in a different way. The last years he spent with the Howlett family in Spokane, WA and was never alone. We would read every letter he received and it would make him smile thinking of you all. He is survived by his 15 nieces and nephews, one deceased nephew Lloyd Wojcik, many cousins and the Howlett family of Andy, Liz, Jack (9) and Cooper James (5) of Spokane. He will be remembered for always saying “it was a pleasure for you to meet me”. It would make us laugh, but was so true. Our lives were richer for having Jim in it. He was so appreciative of what other people did for him and would often say “Thank you thank you thank you”. Most importantly, he always said he loved you and we all know that he truly meant it. My last voicemail from Jim said it all. He finished with “I love you, I love you, I love you.” The family will have a service in Pulaski, Wisconsin on January 29th at Marnocha Funeral Home to bring him home to lie in rest next to his parents. A memorial will also be held in Madison, Wisconsin June 12th, fittingly on his birthday. Here in Spokane, we suggest planting a tree in your yard. I would like to thank Dr. Queen and her staff at Providence Medical Building for taking Jim on as a patient despite their busy schedule. Chloe Stout who help keep Jim in our home for many months. His caregivers at Providence Emelia Court who helped navigate the Covid pandemic. Dr. Kuehn and Mike Bell PAC at Providence Orthopedics for keeping him walking, Dr. Chad Collins DDS and Osbourne Dentures for keeping him smiling, and the Hospitalist Physicians at Sacred Heart for easing his way and my way through the years. Amani Place with Fred and Kelsey could not have been more perfect these few months. You do God’s work and you should be proud. Kathleen Howlett for spending time at Jim’s bedside. To Ben Vance and Juan Garcia thank you for your time and easing Jim's journey here and in Madison. And Frank Lunceford for all the visits and cookies you brought to Jim. Most importantly, my wife Liz Howlett for being Jim’s angel these last few years. Thank you for allowing me to do something right in this difficult world.