James "Jim" Joseph Volk

James Joseph "Jim" Volk, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with family at his side on September 21, 2024, at the age of 78 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Madison on December 16, 1945, to James Edmond and Norma V. (Meyer) Volk. He is preceded in death by his parents; two infant siblings, Rita Kay Volk and Michael Volk who died prior to his birth; a brother-in-law Leo Ruesch, a niece Wendy Allen and a nephew John Stuessy.

Jim is survived by his loving spouse of 45 years, Rhonda (Stuessy) Volk; his sisters, Mary (Leo) Ruesch and Barbara (Rod) Ruesch; his brothers-in-law Robert Stuessy and Rod Ruesch; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.

Jim attended St. Patrick's primary school followed by Edgewood high school and earned an associate degree in data processing from Madison Area Technical College (MATC). He served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1971, stationed in Phoenix. After his honorable discharge, Jim began his career with the State of Wisconsin Department of Industry Labor and Human Relations (DILHR), where he worked in information technology as a computer operator from 1971 until his retirement.

Jim was a kind, caring, loving and friendly man who enjoyed visiting with friends and family and was always a pleasure to spend time with. He enjoyed nature whether it involved sitting in the screen porch watching birds at the feeders and bird baths, walking in the woods and watching wildlife, or deer hunting. Jim was happy to share his many deer hunting stories and could talk for hours with anyone who would listen.

Jim was always very active and sports were important to him. He enjoyed everything from pickup baseball as a kid and tennis as a young adult to co-ed volleyball with his wife and eventually pickleball later in life. But his favorite game was undoubtedly softball. In addition to playing with men’s teams he taught his wife to play softball and they played together for many years. Jim also enjoyed travelling to Senior Softball USA regional and national tournaments. His most memorable trip was to Ft. Myers, FL in 2010 where his team won the SSUSA Winter National Championship age 55 division. Needless to say, there was a lot of celebrating that night! Jim also enjoyed travelling with his wife to the Huntsman Senior Games in Utah each October where they both participated in the games, watched friends compete and reunited with friends from around the country.

Jim was a founding member of the Greater Madison Senior Softball league in which he played from 2010 until his health forced him to retire last year at age 77. Even though he was no longer able to play he and his wife still attended most of the games to cheer on his team mates and enjoy lunch with them afterwards.

Per Jim's request, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date for immediate family members. This intimate gathering will honor his memory in a manner that reflects his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Agrace Hospice at agrace.org or the V Foundation for Cancer Research at v.org, organizations that were important to Jim and his family. These contributions will help continue the fight against diseases that have touched so many lives.