James “Jim” Bosanny, age 73, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025. He was born on April 15, 1952 to the late James and Yvonne (St. Dennis) Bosanny.
Jim lived a full and happy life, rooted in his deep love for his wife Vicki, son Matt, and Matt’s partner, Jamieson, beginning with his parents Jim Sr & Yvonne. Jim was a devoted husband and companion to Vicki for 57 years. As a dad, Jim embraced the unconditional love and connection only a father and son understand. Jim and Jamieson had an especially tight bond, full of humor, banter, and most of all respect for each other. Jim was fully committed to his family of four. Together they held each other up, not only through the last challenges of Jim’s life, but throughout all their years together. Jim’s love for his family cannot be overstated.
As a kid he was allowed the freedom to explore the outdoors to his heart’s desire, because his parents afforded him free range. Being outside brought Jim a magical inner peace.
Jim was a gifted athlete and participated in numerous sports during his youth and throughout his life. Reflecting on those experiences resulted in happy memories, interesting stories, and big smiles.
Jim began his college education at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. After two years he transferred to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Jim spent twelve years as an athletic trainer for the Badgers, including several years as the head basketball trainer; a career that brought him a great sense of pride, and a large group of friends for life.
After leaving the UW Badgers, Jim began a 20 year career in pharmaceutical sales based out of the Fox Cities. Jim & Vicki widened their circle of friends through their work and an ever busy family life.
Jim and friends gathered for numerous outdoor activities including hunting, fishing or a simple walk in the woods. Jim, Matt and a few friends also completed the trek up to the summit of eleven of the 14ers, scattered through the Colorado Mountains. Jim was very proud of this accomplishment.
Jim cherished his time with extended family including cousins, who were more like siblings, and relationships with in-laws, his grown nieces, nephews, and their children.
Jim valued his Tuesday commitment as a volunteer dog walker at the Fox Valley Humane Society. For 13 years his group dubbed “the Tuesday walkers” assembled without fail, to walk all the eagerly awaiting fur babies. The Tuesday walkers became and remained a tight knit gang. For Jim, a house was not a home, and life was incomplete without a dog or two by his side. All of his many dogs were definitely family members.
Retirement afforded Jim and Vicki the time to wonder and explore this country’s landscape, hiking beautiful trails and fly fishing numerous rivers all across this country. The camper in tow, and a dog or two curled up in the back seat of the truck on the road to another new experience.
Throughout Jim’s life, there were countless friends, from his youth, college, and beyond. All of these incredible people supported and enhanced Jim’s life and maybe their lives as well.
We, Jim’s family, are most grateful to Jim’s medical teams at UW Madison Health, Theda Care & Theda at Home Hospice. Your dedication to his medical care, emotional encouragement, and heartfelt compassion was greatly appreciated.
Jim is survived by his wife, Vicki Bosanny; son, James Matthew (significant other Jamieson Larene) Bosanny; sisters-in-law: Sandra (Emil) Radeztsky and Lisa Luthi; brother-in-law, Gary (Cindy) Hughes; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their children.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his in-laws: Raymond and Joyce (Goggins) Hughes.
We invite all family, friends, and your kids to join us on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, at Bubolz Nature Preserve, Great Blue Heron Hall (4815 N. Lynndale Dr., Appleton, WI 54913) from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a time to share our memories and express our love to one incredible man. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. followed by activities for both kids and grown-ups. Please dress casual and for the outdoors. Please RSVP by February 28th to vbosanny@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, Jim chose The Fox Valley Humane Society as the recipient of donations made in his name. Please use the following link: https://foxvalleypets.donorsupport.co/page/FUNQXHFLAEE
