James “Jim” “Mack” P. Kauffman

James “Jim” “Mack” P. Kauffman, 90, Eau Claire, passed away peacefully, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, surrounded by his daughters.

James was born in Eau Claire, to Cecil Joseph “CJ” and Ida Mae (Sears) Kauffman.

He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Regis High School and excelled on the basketball court. Jim was named to the All-Tournament Team, as part of the 1952 Catholic School State Basketball Championship team.

After two years of service in the U.S. Army, he graduated from Eau Claire Vocational School in business, and worked at various accounting and tax positions. He retired as vice president, branch manager and chairman of the board of Citizens State Bank of Cadott.

He loved golfing, watching (and complaining about) the Packers, Brewers and Badgers, and surrounding himself with people, making friends wherever he went. He was famously described as “a party waiting to happen.”

Jim married Priscilla Hickox, Jan. 24, 1959, and together, they shared 59 wonderful years.

He is survived by his daughters – Beth (Geoffrey) Bright, Lynn (Robert) Poirier and Brenda (Brian) Goettl; grandchildren – Allison (Michael) Bright and Gregory (Kathleen) Bright, Megan (Joey) Ross and Erin (Jeremy) Dixon, Bradley (Ray) Goettl-Ng and Torrey (Doeneah) Goettl; great-granddaughters – Amelia and Daphne; nieces; nephews; and many family members and friends, including the Wednesday night golf crew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife; his brothers – Donn, William and John Kauffman; and his sister – Patricia Boyd.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 16, at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Eau Claire, with Father James Kurzinski officiating. Family and friends may call two hours prior to services, beginning at 9 a.m. A luncheon will follow, at the church.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at the Heritage Assisted Living, River Pines Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, and St. Croix Hospice, for their kindness and compassion.

Online condolences may be expressed at lenmarkfh.com.

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