James J. Kroll

James J. Kroll, age 83, of Wind Point, WI, passed away at home on February 9, 2026. Jim was born in Milwaukee, WI on January 8, 1943, to the late John and Genevieve (nee: Wroblewski) Kroll.

Jim embraced a fundamental belief that “Life is good” and lived it unfailingly. He was caring, generous, supportive, and always ready to lend a hand, a keen reflection of both his parents. What mattered most to him was not only the work he did, but how it helped others. He had a friendly, welcoming smile, a patient ear, and a can-do manner that offered comfort and reassurance. He enjoyed meeting people and making new friends, always accepting others as they were, believing the best about all.

Jim attended St. Augustine Grade School, graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1960, and earned an Associate of Science degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1962.

Jim began his career at Allis-Chalmers in Carrollville and later worked at Nordberg in Milwaukee. In 1968, Jim was employed at Wisconsin Electric Power Company (later We Energies) where he worked for over 39 years. He started as a power plant tester and advanced to technician, supervisor, and manager. He served at five power plants – Lakeside, Oak Creek, Pleasant Prairie, Port Washington, and Valley – before retiring in 2007 as the Manager of Maintenance at Valley Power Plant. In talking about his career, Jim always said how fortunate he was and spoke appreciatively of all the good people with whom he worked.

On May 2, 1964, Jim was united in marriage to Ellen K. Zaffran, the love of his life and forever companion. They went on to share almost 62 years of marriage together. They were blessed with two children, Tim (Lynn) Kroll of Lemont, IL and Kelly Kroll of Chicago, IL, and two grandchildren. Jim delighted in being “Grampy” to Matthew and Jacquelyn Kroll and found great joy in sharing their activities and interests, making them laugh, and imparting his old-guy wisdom.

Love was the cornerstone of Jim’s life, and in addition to his love for family, his young-at-heart, fun-loving spirit led him to enjoy many activities. He loved the camaraderie and good-natured competition of golfing with the guys, playing locally at Shoop Park and other courses, and taking many trips to Florida with the GUFFers (Golfers United For Fun). He was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packer fan and especially enjoyed watching the games (and yelling at the TV!) with his son Tim. He was a regular patron of the Racine Theatre Guild, Fireside Dinner Theatre, and Broadway in Chicago. He enjoyed classic car shows, art fairs with Ellen, and beach clean-up along the shores of Lake Michigan. Jim was an avid reader and fierce card player, enjoying Sheepshead, Blackjack, and 500. He enjoyed travelling with his family to South Dakota, Tennessee, Florida, California, Maryland, Washington DC, and elsewhere. He also enjoyed travelling within Wisconsin – taking bike trips with Ellen, fishing up north, and relaxing at Fox Hills Resort. When his children left for college, he embraced Bonita Beach, Florida as his winter home-away-from-home, where he enjoyed kayaking, grilling, and reading.

Jim also volunteered with Wind Meadows Corporation, serving as an area Director, Committee member, and then WMC President for 7 years. Throughout his life, Jim was uniquely skilled at fixing things and enthusiastically helped his family and friends with a wide range of fix-it projects, firmly building “can-do” confidence in his children and others through his positive attitude and example.

Jim will be dearly missed by his “true love forever” Ellen, his children, grandchildren, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Eileen and John Demski, nieces, nephew, great-nieces and great-nephew, cousins, and many cherished friends and neighbors

Visitation will be held at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home in Racine on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 5 - 7 pm. A Memorial Service will follow at 7 pm. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Cemetery in Milwaukee on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11 am, followed by a brunch.

The family extends their sincere thanks to the City of Hope in Zion, IL, Northwestern Medicine in Warrenville, IL, and Preceptor Home Health & Hospice for the compassionate care provided to both Jim and his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Racine Theatre Guild or the American Cancer Society.