James J. Sawicki's Obituary
James "Jim" Joseph Sawicki, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026. He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 57 years, Marilyn, who passed away in 2017. Jim grew up on the family dairy and later vegetable farm on Vinland Road in Oshkosh, born on March 5, 1937 to the late Joseph and Rose Sawicki (nee Schettle). He attended St. Josaphat's grade school and St. Peter's Middle School before graduating from Oshkosh High School in 1955. He went on to attend Oshkosh State College and earned a degree in History graduating in 1959, where he was a proud member of the Philakean fraternity. While working his way through college, Jim gained valuable experience working at Sawicki Sales and Service. Following his graduation, he was briefly employed by Commercial Credit before finding his true professional calling. For over 40 years, he was the sole proprietor of Jim Sawicki Auto Sales on 16th and Oregon in Oshkosh, where he built lasting relationships with generations of local customers and became a staple of the community business landscape. A devout and faithful Catholic, Jim was deeply involved in his parish community. He served on various parish boards for St. Vincent's, was a long-time member of the St. Vincent's Usher Club, dedicated many years as a Scout leader, and was a loyal volunteer at countless church events over his lifetime. Jim’s life was defined by his love for the road and his absolute devotion to his family. He loved driving across America with his family, visiting nearly every one of the continental states behind the wheel. Blessed with an amazing memory, he had the roads and directions to almost any city in America completely memorized from Oshkosh. Every summer, all summer long, he loved taking his boys to Leo's Speedway every Tuesday night. An avid fan of all sports, Jim never missed an opportunity to cheer from the sidelines, proudly attending nearly every sporting event for his children and grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn Ann Sawicki (nee Stilp); his parents; his sister, Joan May Sawicki; his brother, Paul George Sawicki; and his sisters-in-law, Diane Stilp, Geraldine Westgor (and her husband Ronald), and Barbara J. Stilp.
He is survived by his five sons and daughters-in-law: Joseph and Catherine (nee Rice) Sawicki of Oshkosh; Michael and Jennifer (nee Michels) Sawicki of Fond du Lac; Daniel and Melissa (nee Lasee) Sawicki of Menasha; Robert and Jennifer (nee Herlitzke) Sawicki of Waunakee; and Andrew and Jill (nee Nigl) Sawicki of Stoughton. Jim was the proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren: James (Jarmila), Joseph Jr., Micayla, Nicholas, Rachel (Alexander Depies), Margaret, Jacob, Ashley, Brandon, Justin, Meadow, and Silas. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Aurora and Iris. He is further survived by his sister, Carole (Sawicki) and her husband Jim Born; his brother, Thomas Sawicki; many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at St. Jude the Apostle Parish (St Vincent worship site) in Oshkosh. Visitation will take place at the church on Monday morning from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM, with the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
We would also like to thank all the wonderful staff at Edenbrook Oshkosh Wellness and Rehabilitation, The Courtyard at Oshkosh Memory Care, and Moments Hospice.
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