SPARTA-James W. Liska, 84, passed peacefully in his sleep on Friday, August 30th, 2024. He was born on June 29th, 1940, to Donald and Margaret (Tydrich) Liska in Hillsboro, WI. Jim graduated from Hillsboro High School and went on to pursue a degree in music education graduating in 1962. After graduation he began his music teaching career in Sparta, WI. In 1966, Jim achieved his Master’s degree in school administration from Winona State University. Over the years, he served as principal at Lawrence-Lawson Elementary School, Leon School, and Cataract School. Jim retired in 1998 for an impressive total of 30 years as a principal and an overall 36 years in the Sparta Area School District.
Jim believed people were placed upon the earth to make it a better place and serve others through volunteer work. He fully embraced this belief. He volunteered for the Sparta Education Association, Western Wisconsin Education Association, Sparta Kiwanis and the Sparta Boys and Girls Club. With his passion for music and his gifted singing, Jim organized school musical programs. He was a founding board member of the Sparta Concert Association. As an active member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic
Church, Jim served as coordinator of the music program in addition to singing for many years during church services. Through his combined love of nature and interest in mentoring young people, he was an adult leader in the Gateway Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America for more than 40 years. Jim received the Boy Scouts’ Silver Beaver award which recognizes Scouters of exceptional character who provide distinguish service within a council. It is the highest award of the Boy Scouts. Jim received his Wood Badge from the Boy Scouts by completing an advanced, national leadership course open only to Scouting volunteers and professionals. Jim was instrumental in chartering local Boy Scout Troop 7 as well as serving as an advisor to the local Explorer post.
In the 1960’s, Jim he was an active Jaycee member serving in various roles on the Jaycee board. The Jaycee’s state organization recognized Jim as one of its Ten Outstanding Men of Wisconsin in 1975. Jim was nominated for a Jefferson Award. In 2003, Jim served as the Sparta Butterfest Festmaster.
After a photo safari to Tanzania, Jim returned for many years to Tanzania to serve as a volunteer. His experience in Tanzania dramatically changed his perspective on much of what drives American society. Jim would often speak about the loving, appreciative, and joyful nature of his friends in Tanzania despite those friends not having the wealth many Americans enjoy. Jim spent much of his time volunteering at and supporting Korongoni Secondary school in Moshi, Tanzania. With the support of numerous local Sparta donors, he purchased thousands of dollars’ worth of computers and other
teaching materials for the school. Jim led the effort to have the local Coca-Cola company donate the funds necessary to bring electricity to the school. Through his efforts at the school, enrollment increased from ninety students to over six hundred. Jim was very supportive of efforts to increase the enrollment and achievement of girls. Babu Jim was truly beloved by all of the students and staff.
Jim was considered a “Jack of all Trades” with interests in travel, woodworking, gardening, cooking, baking, classical music, reading, fishing, hunting, camping, and history. He was a master pie maker often holding seminars at friends’ homes. Many Liska pies were auctioned at local fundraisers. One famous Liska pie sold for over $400. Mysteriously, friends often had pies and other baked goods show up at their homes.
Jim’s extended family was a central part of his life as he took with frequent trips to visit and vacation with his nieces, nephews, and his sister, Ruth. Although Jim had no family in the Sparta area, his friends and students in the Sparta area and others he met on his exploits all became extensions of his family. Jim often smiled recalling meeting former students returning to Sparta 40 or 50 years after fact, still insisting they address Jim as “Mr. Liska.” The impact Jim made in the Sparta community is profound and his deeply
kind soul will never be forgotten.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around”
-- Leo Buscaglia
Jim is survived by his sister, Ruth (Ed) Thompson of Madison; as well as many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Ann Reidelbach and nephew, Greg Reidelbach.
A memorial service will be held at 12 pm on Saturday September 14th, 2024, at Sparta Meadowview School Gymnasium, 1225 N. Water Street, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferh.com. Memorials may be offered to James W. Liska Memorial Foundation Trust, 101 W. Oak St. Sparta, WI 54656.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
