James Staff, of Sauk City, died on Sunday, October 1, 2017 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was 82. He was born on November 19, 1934 in Blair. He married Delores Hanson on June 15, 1957, and together they had sons Bradley (Sally) and David (Rita). He received degrees from UW-Stevens Point and UW-Madison.

Jim taught English at Sauk Prairie High School, and started the Sauk Prairie Canoe Rental in 1971. He served as a member of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board and the Sauk City Library Board. Jim enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, and lutefisk dinners. His greatest joy was his grandchildren, taking great pride in spoiling them all and never forgetting a birthday.

Jim is survived by his wife, his sons, his grandchildren Katherine (Alan), James, Madeline, Emily, Michael, Matthew, Joseph, Abigail, and Olivia, his great-grandchildren Stella and James, his sister Sharon Sampson, and his brothers Terry (Barbara), Fred (Jan), Phil (Lil), Randy (Kathy), Creighton (Bonnie), and Alton. Jim was predeceased by his parents Jens and Ila, and his brother Johnny.

Jim was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Prairie du Sac. A private service was officiated by Pastor Williams at Maplewood of Sauk Prairie. Memorial donations may be made to the Sauk City Public Library.

Jim's family would like to personally thank Paul Onesti for his loyal friendship and the selfless help he has given. We can never thank him enough.