James "Jim" Paulson

James “Jim” Paulson, 83, of Marathon, was called home on Sunday, October 27, 2024, following a brief hospitalization.

Jim was born on August 26, 1941, to Herbert and Esther Paulson in Wausau, WI.

Jim spent most of his life farming the land that he loved. He grew many different crops, including a long career in ginseng. He also raised dairy, and later beef cattle. He was incredibly skilled and worked hard to care for his business and his family. He was always willing to help and support those around him and to share his wisdom.

In his spare time, he did much the same, planting tons of bulb gardens and tending to his orchard which was his pride and joy. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and always found ways to keep them entertained, whether it was making wooden swords to use on adventures, driving the entire crew around on a hayride, or napping on the lawn following a picnic lunch. He liked to travel, had a deep love of history, and was always curious about the people he met and the places he visited.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lorelie, as well as their large, blended family including children, Dan (Lisa) Paulson of Las Vegas, NV, Dennis (Paula) Paulson of Marathon, WI, Duane (Kelly) Paulson of Augusta, KS, Timothy Paulson of Marathon, WI, Jennifer Paulson of Merrill, WI, Justine Paulson of Gardner, MA, Marissa Paulson of Marathon, WI, Johanna Paulson of Wausau, WI, Annalisa Paulson of Marathon, WI, Berndt (Tonia) Soviak of Park Falls, WI, Bettina Rinard of Athens, WI, and Breanne (Jon) Aumann of Marathon, WI, Kathy Small of Milwaukee, WI; 26 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, as well as his surviving siblings, Joel (Rachel) Paulson of Medford, WI, Janice (Dwayne) Becker of Wausau, WI, Larry (Nancie) Paulson of Appleton, WI, Wendell (Cindy) Paulson of North Carolina, and Judy Dyas of California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Esther, first wife, Linda, infant son, Robbie, sister, Susan, and brothers, John, Jeff, and Jerry.

In honoring his final wishes, a traditional funeral will not be held. We will hold a celebration of his life in the orchard that he loved when it is in full bloom in the spring. Details and arrangement updates can be obtained by emailing jimpaulsonmemorial24@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, we will be planting a garden in his memory. If you would like to contribute, please reach out via email for those details.

The Gentle Gardener 

Poet: Edgar A. Guest

 I'd like to leave but daffodils to mark my little way,

 To leave but tulips red and white behind me as I stray;

 I'd like to pass away from earth and feel I'd left behind 

But roses and forget-me-nots for all who come to find. 

I'd like to sow the barren spots with all the flowers of earth,

 To leave a path where those who come should find but gentle mirth; 

And when at last I'm called upon to join the heavenly throng

 I'd like to feel along my way I'd left no sign of wrong. 

And yet the cares are many and the hours of toil are few;

 There is not time enough on earth for all I'd like to do;

 But, having lived and having toiled, I'd like the world to find

 Some little touch of beauty that my soul had left behind.