James Jerome ‘Jimmy’ Buss

James Jerome “Jimmy” Buss, 89, formerly of Eland, died on Dec. 31, 2022, at Rosemary Manor in Mattoon. James was born May 3, 1933, in Eland, the son of Anton and Victoria (Wojciechowski) Buss Sr. James was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1954 to 1956. On Feb. 9, 1963, James was united in marriage to Bernice Meverden at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Birnamwood. She preceded him in death on April 6, 2012. After graduation, James hauled milk for Frank Bessette. He then was employed by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad for 38 years until his retirement. After retirement, he enjoyed helping his nephews on the Zdroik Potato Farm in Rosholt, where he earned the nickname of “5 o’clock Jimmy,” as he needed to be home for supper. James was an avid Eland BABA baseball player, which started when he was 14 years old and lasted for 40 years. He was also an avid fan of the Eland BABA, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. Deer hunting was a special time on the family farm with his brothers, son, nephews, grandsons and special family friend, Doug. After retirement, he and Bernice wintered in Gulf Shores and had fond memories of a trip to Germany with special friends Arlen and Pat Warning. James was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus and liked to go on Bingo trips with his brothers. James is survived by his children, Theresa (Brian) Block, of Birnamwood, Patty (John) Szews, of Birnamwood, Paula (Dan) Rew, of Eland, and Jon (Michelle) Buss, of Eau Claire; seven grandchildren, Sam (Christina) Szews, Blake (Lauryn) Szews, Isaac Szews, Riley (Carli) Rew, Dana (Nate and Piper) Rew, Holly Buss and Alex Buss; two great-grandchildren, Aubree Szews and Grayson Rew; brothers, Robert Buss, of Wittenberg, and Anthony (Christine) Buss Jr., of Eland; and siblings-in-law, Leah Klopotek, of Wausau, and Edward (Lois) Meverden, of Wittenberg. James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bernice; siblings and in-laws, Mary Jane (Maynard) Zdroik, Alvina Buss, Mike (Sue) Buss and Jerry Klopotek; and three nephews, Mark, Cody and A.J. Zdroik. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church in Hatley. The Rev. Gregory Bohren will preside. Burial will be in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Wittenberg with military rites conducted by the Elderon Memorial Post 8068. Visitation will be held on Thursday beginning at 4 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Visitation will continue, on Friday, at the church, beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service. Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home of Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Rose Mary Manor, especially Misty, Billie, Ashley and Amanda, for loving Dad as their own.