Obituary
James "Jimba" J. Balza, age 85, passed away on July 7, 2025, in Oshkosh, WI. He was born on April 9, 1940, to parents, Ira and Geraldine (Miller) Balza in Green Bay, WI.
After graduating from high school, he entered into the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1960. While in the service, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Susan Baker, on September 26, 1959, in Kenosha, WI. Together, they raised three children.
He started his career after graduating from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, at American Motors. Most recently he retired from Pitney Bowes as a collections agent. Jim's hobbies throughout his life included golfing, bowling, and watching many sports, most importantly, the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed watching old westerns and golf on television. In his younger years, he would travel seasonally to warmer destinations with his wife, Susan. He was also active in a Winneconne snowmobile club and dance club. He was a Freemason involved with Lodge #186 in Winneconne, WI.
Jim is survived by his children, Tracie (Dennis) Schlaak, Amy (Mike) Walczak and Lee (Frank) Goetz; grandchildren, Owen (Rachel) Rice, Evan (Olivia) Rice, Molly Schlaak, Samuel Schlaak, Preston (Abby) Goetz, Payton (Carlie) Goetz, Amy (Jesse) Gonzales and Melissa (Chris) Thompson; great-grandchildren, Brynn, Blake, Evelynn, Emmitt, Elainna, Abel, Liam, Brantley, Charlie, Sienna, Zachary, Braiden, Brynlee and a baby boy on the way; sister-in-law Patricia (Harry) Adamson; many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Susan Balza; parents, Ira and Geraldine (Miller) Balza; parents-in-law, Margaret (Stanley) Baker; and sister, Judy Koch.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Seefeld Funeral Home, 1025 Oregon St., Oshkosh, WI, from 3:00pm to 5:45pm, Eulogy at 5:45pm and Military Honors to take place at approximately 6:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your local Veterans Association in his honor.
The family would like to thank Hartland Hospice and all of the staff at The Residence of Oshkosh for their on-going care and support.
After graduating from high school, he entered into the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1960. While in the service, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Susan Baker, on September 26, 1959, in Kenosha, WI. Together, they raised three children.
He started his career after graduating from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, at American Motors. Most recently he retired from Pitney Bowes as a collections agent. Jim's hobbies throughout his life included golfing, bowling, and watching many sports, most importantly, the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed watching old westerns and golf on television. In his younger years, he would travel seasonally to warmer destinations with his wife, Susan. He was also active in a Winneconne snowmobile club and dance club. He was a Freemason involved with Lodge #186 in Winneconne, WI.
Jim is survived by his children, Tracie (Dennis) Schlaak, Amy (Mike) Walczak and Lee (Frank) Goetz; grandchildren, Owen (Rachel) Rice, Evan (Olivia) Rice, Molly Schlaak, Samuel Schlaak, Preston (Abby) Goetz, Payton (Carlie) Goetz, Amy (Jesse) Gonzales and Melissa (Chris) Thompson; great-grandchildren, Brynn, Blake, Evelynn, Emmitt, Elainna, Abel, Liam, Brantley, Charlie, Sienna, Zachary, Braiden, Brynlee and a baby boy on the way; sister-in-law Patricia (Harry) Adamson; many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Susan Balza; parents, Ira and Geraldine (Miller) Balza; parents-in-law, Margaret (Stanley) Baker; and sister, Judy Koch.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Seefeld Funeral Home, 1025 Oregon St., Oshkosh, WI, from 3:00pm to 5:45pm, Eulogy at 5:45pm and Military Honors to take place at approximately 6:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your local Veterans Association in his honor.
The family would like to thank Hartland Hospice and all of the staff at The Residence of Oshkosh for their on-going care and support.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Balza, please visit our flower store.
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