James Edward Kirchstein, age 93, of Mt. Horeb, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, WI.

Jim was born on March 28, 1931, in Madison, WI, the son of Frank and Helen (Callaway) Kirchstein. He grew up in Sauk City and graduated from Sauk City High School in 1949.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Jim served as a pilot during the Korean Conflict. After his military service, he attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison on the G.I. Bill, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), specializing in Acoustics.

Jim was an entrepreneur and innovator, founding Cuca Records, a record label, and WVLR (Very Live Radio), a radio station. He later applied his engineering expertise while working for UW–Madison and the State of Wisconsin as an electrical engineer.

Among Jim's many passions, flying remained a lifelong love. He frequently took friends and family up in the air, sharing the joy of aviation. He was also an avid journaler with a deep appreciation for Irish poetry.

Beyond his many interests, Jim held a deep love for family and tradition. He made every holiday and family gathering feel special, ensuring that everyone felt truly welcomed. His home was always open, and his celebrations were filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

Jim was a man of boundless generosity, dedicating both his time and resources to a variety of causes and organizations close to his heart. With his sharp wit, kind heart, and calming presence, he was known for his unwavering dedication to his family and community. Always fully present, he exemplified strength, compassion, kindness and wisdom in all aspects of his life.

Jim is survived by his children, Betty Lou (Rodney) Knight, Vicki (John) Widdicombe, Helen (Richard) Evanson, Jim (Jenni) Kirchstein, Lydia Kirchstein, Mathew (Kwan) Kirchstein, and Eva Walz ; his sister, Elizabeth McKinney; sister-in-law, Phyllis Kirchstein; his grandchildren, Travis Knight, Troy Knight, Helen (Stuart) Check, Glenn Widdicombe, Markus (Chelsea) Kirchstein, Emily Udomtanapon, Payton Kirchstein, Max Kirchstein, Cielo Kirchstein, Channing Walz, and Everly Walz; great-grandchildren, Judah Kirchstein and Ryland Check; the mothers of his children, Sarah Harrison and Nancy Kirchstein, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Kirchstein; his brother, Frank Kirchstein; his brother-in-law, Pat McKinney; his son, Daniel Kirchstein; and his grandson, Trevor Knight.

A visitation will be held on February 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water Street, Sauk City, WI, with a service at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Sauk City, Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Jim's memory to one of the following: Mills Music Library in Madison, WI or Tripp Memorial Museum in Prairie du Sac, WI.