Jim was born on June 3, 1936 to Ralph J. Wardman and Norma L. (Hansen) Wardman in Stoughton, Wisconsin. He moved around growing up, attending several grade schools, and graduating from Milton Union High School In 1954.
Jim enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1958 to 1963. Jim worked for A & P Food Store for several years, through High School and before and after the Air Force. Attended the Madison Technical College and worked several places to including Gisholts in Madison. Jim then attended University of Wisconsin Stout to obtain the requirement for teaching at Technical Schools . After several years of teaching Jim changed positions with the State and was doing maintenance on the the towers for the Wisconsin Public Radio System. In his later years he was active as an amateur radio operator and enthusiast.
After Jim retired in Wisconsin he moved to Alaska and bought a home in Palmer. In retirement he worked for small telephone company as a consultant and did substitute teaching until his first stroke in 2019. Jim was supportive of environmental organizations and organizations supportive of family and children rights. Jim was an active member of the Anchorage Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
After rehab in Texas he returned to Alaska until the second stoke in Jan. 2022, back to Texas for rehab. He passed away at Sagebrook Health Center in Cedar Park, Texas.
Jim is survived by brother Michael Wardman and brother in law Gene Looman both of Leander Texas and sister in law Bertha Bienash of Janesville Wisconsin and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Norma, a sister, Mary and brother in law Donald McElwee, and 3 brothers: Thomas, Richard and Robert Wardman.
A celebration of life for Jim will be on Oct 21st at Albrechts funeral home in Edgerton, 10 am to 11 am socializing, at 11 am we will do a sharing sharing of memories. Then a short trip to the graveside. Then a potluck following at Central Lutheran Church in Edgerton.
