James Edward Volz, age 76, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on August 2, 2025. Born in Illinois on April 24, 1949, Jim moved to Spooner, Wisconsin as a young child, where he grew up and graduated from Spooner High School in 1967.

Jim went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. On June 20, 1970, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Carlson. Jim worked as an accountant, retiring in 2014 from Cooper Engineering in Rice Lake. Jim and Vicki made their home in Rice Lake from 1972 to 2016, where they raised their family and became part of a close-knit community. While in Rice Lake, Jim was an avid participant in recreational sports—playing on men’s softball and basketball teams, competing in bowling and golf leagues, and enjoying many years of Friday night card club and golf outings, where lifelong friendships were formed. A friendship that Jim held dear was formed in 1972 with the Snippens and Zabrowskis. What began as three couples grew into three families, sharing decades of camping trips, vacations, and a cherished tradition of spending New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day together for over 50 years. In 2016, Jim and Vicki moved to southeastern Wisconsin to be closer to their grandchildren. Nothing brought Jim more joy than being "Grandpa"—he was a proud and devoted supporter, attending sporting events, music performances, and school milestones with great enthusiasm.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Vicki; daughter Adrienne (Tim); son Lucas; and cherished grandsons Joey and Ryan. Jim is also survived by his sisters Susan Seymour and Patricia Macho; sister-in-law Gloria Swope; brother-in-law Mike Sweeny; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Evelyn Volz, and his brother, Bob Pepper. A gathering to honor Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Blue Hills Masonic Lodge, 225 W South St, Rice Lake, WI 54868. A visitation will take place from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., with a few words of remembrance at 2:30, followed by a light lunch.

Last Update: Aug 07, 2025 7:20 am CDT