Dec. 3, 1932 – May 12, 2010


James "Jim" Martin Chase, a lifelong resident of Waukesha, died Wednesday, May 12, 2010, surrounded by his family at Waukesha Memorial Hospital at the age of 77. He was born Dec. 3, 1932, in Waukesha, the son of James and Helen (Martin) Chase.

Jim graduated from Waukesha High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army. He attended WCTC and graduated from Milton College with a degree in criminal justice. He started with the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department in 1960 as a patrol officer and through continuing education, advanced through the ranks of the department and retired as the inspector of the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department in 1990. During his career, he attended the FBI Academy, taught police science at WCTC and was instrumental in installing the 911 system in Waukesha County. Jim was a member of the Waukesha Noon Kiwanis Club and district chairman of Potowatomi Area Boy Scout Council. He was an active member of St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Parish, where he served on the parish council, school board and building committee. In his retirement, Jim was actively involved in the AARP 55 Alive Safe Driving Program. First and foremost, he loved spending time with his family, especially at their cottage on Oneida Lake. His hobbies included golfing, fishing, playing cards and flying remote control air planes that he built.

Jim will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 53 years, Margaret "Bunny" (nee Rauwald); his daughters, Cindy (Rick) Thoenes, Cathy (Bill) Howland, Chris (Rick) Schwartz, Shelly Tallinger and Joan (Reid) Chase-Zibell; and grandchildren, Katie, Mike, Jim, Kelsie, Jessica, Robbie, Tim, Tori and Amelia. He is further survived by his sisters, Helen (Tom) Subitch and Karen (the late Bob) Cappozzo, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be held from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha. Visitation continues from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass on Monday, May 17, at St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Parish, W280-N2101 Prospect Ave. (Highway SS), town of Delafield. The Rev. Joseph Hornacek will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Waukesha Memorial Hospital, c/o The Regional Cancer Center, 725 American Ave., Waukesha, WI 53188.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For further information, please call 542-6609, or for directions, an online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit www.waukeshasfuneralhome.com.