Jim, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, at Prairie Home Assisted Living.

Born May 4, 1935, in Union Township, Wisconsin, to Leonard and Evern Lucht, he was the oldest of five children. Jim was raised on his family’s dairy farm, rising early every morning for chores and milking, which instilled in him a strong work ethic.

Jim enlisted in the US Army soon after graduating from Marion High School in 1953 and was assigned an overseas tour in Austria. Out of this he developed a great love for our country and appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy. After returning home and finding work in a paper mill, he met his future wife, Barbara Syring. God providentially used their meeting to bring him to church, where the faith of his childhood became complete as he understood his need for Christ as his Savior, not depending on his own good works to earn salvation. They were married March 1, 1958, and continued attending and serving at that same church, presently called Calvary Bible Church, for nearly 70 years. Jim served in many ministries such as evangelism, driving bus, Hmong AWANA, and jail ministry. He loved the fellowship and study of God’s Word with others.

During early married life, Jim held various jobs but mainly enjoyed working for the Menasha Post Office. As years passed, he and Barb were blessed with two daughters. In time, a knee injury required him to find another occupation so after years of diligent studying, he received a degree in Audiology from UW Oshkosh. His greatest joy as an audiologist at ENT Surgical Associates was helping people hear better and improving their quality of life.

At various points in life, Jim enjoyed hunting, traveling, golfing, reading and of course watching the Packers and Badgers on TV. Even more, he loved spending time with his kids and grandkids, playing games and having good conversations, not to mention telling stories and good jokes.

Most of all, Jim loved the Lord, studying God’s Word, and sharing his faith with family, friends, neighbors and even strangers. Being committed to his church family was a high priority! This is the greatest legacy he could pass on to his family.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Allison Lucht and Brenda (Rob) Mansfield; the Mansfield grandchildren, Sydney (Abdullah), Isaac (Lauren), Ethan (Sierra), Micah (Natalie); and great-granddaughter Amelia; his siblings Jane, Gary (Rita), David (Toni); his brother-in-law Ken (Kathy) Syring; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barb; parents Leonard and Evern Lucht; and brother Dennis Lucht.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Visiting Angels and Provisional Staffing for taking excellent care of Jim while he was still at home. Many thanks to the staff at Prairie Home who cared for Jim no matter what mood he was in! You were all great! And a big shout out to Fox Valley Memory Project, whose fantastic programs helped Jim on his Alzheimer’s journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Calvary Bible Church, Neenah, Wisconsin on Saturday, November 14, 2026. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM with military honors immediately after the service. A luncheon at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, any gifts will go towards a Memorial Fund to be established later.

James L. Lucht

May 04, 1935 - October 27, 2026

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