James Raymond Paul Mucha

It’s with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of James Raymond Paul Mucha. Born March 30th, 1954, in Wausau Wisconsin. He was called home on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and dedication to his family and friends.

After attending Wausau East High School, he enlisted in the army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany for his tour of duty and was a M16 and hand grenade expert. When he returned home in 1973, he started his career at Wausau Metals, now called Wausau Window & Wall Systems. Jim retired from Wausau Metals in 2014 after 41 years of having various jobs in production over the years on both 1st and 2nd shift. After retirement, he became the full-time North ForestCampground greeter from late Aprils to early Octobers. He welcomed everyone into the campground and wished them a safe drive home as they left. Many stopped to share where the fish were biting and an ice cold Hamms beer. He also spent many Christmas seasons helping Santa spread holiday cheer.

Jim married his high school sweetheart and soulmate Lois Tress on April 14, 1972. Together they raised 3 wonderful girls. Ammy (Heath) Parker, Lisa (Brett) Clarke, and Valerie (Scott) Lahr. They have 6 grandchildren: Danielle (Marcus Josiger), Karisa (Tucker Kohl), Ryan (Sarah Kopp) Clarke, Jordan Clarke, Malina Lahr, and Koi Lahr. And also, his treasured fur baby, Katlee the dog. Jim was always very proud of his family.

Jim enjoyed listening to country music while cooking or smoking food with family and friends around. Chatting about the latest recipes he was going to make. Tricking people into trying his extremely spicy peppers from his garden. Mixing up new fun drinks, coffee in his wicker chair in the morning, and bloody Mary/Maria’s on Sundays. He always made sure no one was hungry or thirsty.

He was a true outdoorsman. A lifetime hunter and fisherman with so many great stories that many can tell. He taught his children and grandchildren the benefit of loving and respecting mother nature.

Jim was a hands-on, work hard play hard kind-of guy.

Jim & Lois and brother Tom & sister-in-law Luann celebrated their 25th wedding anniversaries together in Hawaii. They enjoyed Hawaii so much that they wanted to share that experience with their family. They took their daughters and families to Hawaii to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2022. The family was able to surprise them with a vow renewal ceremony along the beach. During the ceremony, fish were jumping out of the ocean behind them and rainbows appearedover the mountains. We saw the full joy in his eyes during the entire trip.

Jim is also survived by his brother Paul (Renee) Mucha. Their children were more like grandchildren than nephews and niece. Luke (wife Alanie, children Levi and Addy Joe) Mucha and Skye Mucha. Sister-in-law Luann Mucha. Brother by choice, Mark Seehafer, sister-in-law Lori Seehafer (children Julia & Pete Volpe, Michael & Mary Seehafer). In-laws; Lana and Tim Falkowski (children Hunter & Suzanne Falkowski, Bryce & Courtney Falkowski), Linda Gardner (children Jere & Shayna Gardner, Kristi Gardner), Bruce and Peggy Tress (children Annie & Joshua Smith, Erin & Chloe Madigan-Tress), Jim and Sue Tress (children Brian & Carissa Tress, Daniel & Stephanie Tress, Kelly Foor, Austin & Aly Tress), Richard & Diane Tress. Nephew Kyle (Jody) Robbins and Niece Mandy (Greg) McNair. Nephews Nick and Ben Tress and Niece Beth Tress.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Jessica James Mucha. Parents, Leo and Diane (Dvorak) Mucha. Brother, Leo “Tom” Mucha. Sister Susan Matiasovsky and brother-in-law Bob Matiasovsky. Sister Cynthia Robbins. Nephew & GodsonBeau Mucha. Brother & Sister-in-law, Tom & Donna Tress. Fur babies Sabrina “Miss Puss” Jim’s right hand cat, and Katie their beloved dog.

Jim will be remembered for his kind heart, great sense of humor, and complete dedication to his family & friends. Friends he would call “brother or sister from another mother.” That was his way of saying friends were family to him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

A celebration of life will be held at Helke Funeral Home at 302 Spruce St Wausau, WI on Friday, March 21st. Visitation is 9:30-11:30am.

Please join us at 11:30am for a campfire style eulogy to sharememorable stories or just listen. Whatever you are comfortable with. Unfortunately, our campfire eulogy can’t have Hamm’s, beverages in the funeral home need to be N/A. To share spirits and celebration to his heavenly home after the ceremony, you are welcome to visit the tailgate outside for honorary toasts to Jim.

At a future date he will be placed in the Northwoods National Veterans Cemetery in Harshaw, WI with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions towards a future memorial in his name can be directed to the family.