Joel Karnick
James “Jim” Braun of Oconto, Wisconsin, passed unexpectedly in Oconto Falls on Friday, June 28th at the age of 74. Jim was born in Kimberly, Wisconsin, to Robert and Eleanor Braun. After graduating high school, Jim studied finance at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and met his first wife, Chris. The couple settled in Adams, Wisconsin, and had two children, Steve and Jim Jr. Here, Jim began his long career in hospital finance and administration. Moving back to the Fox Valley and again to Kendall, Wisconsin, Jim met his wife Sandy and remarried in 1998. Jim and Sandy relocated to a farmhouse in Phillips, Wisconsin, where Jim served as administrator of Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls until his retirement in 2021, being very proud of the hospital’s five-star rating.
Wherever Jim lived, he was committed to serving the community. He was a volunteer member and Captain of the Adams Fire Department and a member of the Adams Rescue Squad. He served as a council member and Mayor of Adams. In Phillips, Jim was a member of the Northwoods Community Credit Union board and chair of the rodeo committee for the Price County Fair. Jim would regularly spend time with hospice patients, taking them for walks, playing cards, or simply engaging in conversation with them.
Sports were a central part of Jim’s life. Jim played varsity football and basketball at Kimberly High School. Jim went on to coach basketball, enjoyed golf, and played high-level softball through his 50s. Later in life, Jim officiated high school sports, being very close with his football officiating crew. Jim loved the Green Bay Packers and attended games with his father starting in the 1950s. Jim’s love of the Packers continued through life, having attended 64 consecutive opening days at Lambeau Field. Jim also loved the Wisconsin Badgers and would travel many hours to watch Badger football and basketball games.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Eleanor Braun and his beloved grandparents Raymond and Theresa Behling. Jim is survived by his wife Sandy Braun, his children Steve (Melanie) Braun, Jim (Jess) Braun, Patty (Bob) Limke, Chris (Dave) Lockstein, and Jackie Simmons, his sister Vikki Graf, his first wife Chris Braun, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held for Jim in Kimberly during August, details to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
