Noah Watry

James "Jim" Astell

Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home

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James “Jim” Astell, 68, of Jefferson, passed away on Thursday, March 26th, 2026, surrounded by his family at UW Madison Hospital. Jim was the 6th child of the late John and Mary Astell. Jim grew up on the Schiferl homestead with his siblings and cousins, where many adventures were had.

A graduate of Jefferson High School, he attended both MATC and WCTC, earning his associate degrees as a Machinist, Electrical Technician, and Computer Technician. While dancing at a disco, scheming sisters introduced him to Debby; the two later married and had two children, Molly and Max. His niece Faith was also a constant presence, and very much a part of the family.

Initially a reluctant pet parent, Jim found joy in the family pets. With a house full of chickens, quail, hamsters, and rats, he enjoyed the dogs and canaries the most. Jim loved and supported his family and their interests with enthusiasm, often blending their interests with his own. Attending karate tournaments, building freakbikes and skate park equipment, constructing extension ladder waterslides off of the back porch, and fixing cars, he always took great joy in applying his skills towards others’ lives.

Jim was a lifelong hard worker. He did chores on the farm, delivered papers, fixed motors at RCS, did dishes at the Towers in Madison, and eventually, ran and programmed machines at Aztalan Engineering. He was appreciative of his time with his friend and mentor Cal Schumacher, and took particular pride in his work at Aztalan, where he worked for 39 years.

Music was important to Jim. He was known for his disco moves, playing trumpet in the Jefferson Community Band, and, as a lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church, he enjoyed singing in the choir. Never limiting himself to a few options, Jim took an interest in all instruments and had quite a collection. Of course, many were familiar with his love of music through frequent trumpet blasts, heard from a passing Honda.

Jim also had a love for technology, using his natural talents to better the world around him, and find value in things others discarded. He used his mechanical generosity to make repairs for neighbors and the community as a whole. He embodied the DIY spirit, fixes would often end in the phrase, “there’s nothing more permanent than temporary.” He was “the fix-it guy,” and the first person one would call when something went haywire. His mechanical skills were only surpassed by his love, enthusiasm, and commitment to his family and others.

He was dedicated to helping the community, and applied himself in every aspect of his life. Jim volunteered his efforts for his church, Tomorrow’s Hope, Gemuetlichkeit, and Knights of Columbus. He provided transport to church services for those unable to drive themselves, repaired the city siren, and machined parts and set up the network for St. John’s church and school. An unlikely lover of snow removal, Jim would frequently snow blow the sidewalks of neighbors, starting at his home and working all the way down to Astell’s Best Little Hair House, where he would then clear the parking lot.

He will be deeply missed by his family: his wife Debby and two beloved children, Max (Jess Nimm) and Molly (Eddie Owens) Astell, honorary daughter Faith (Adam) Jenson, sisters Sr. Anna Astell, Mary (Rich) Zore, Barbara (Tom) Nelson, Faith (Roger) Albert, and brothers John Astell, Bill (Cindy Tesch) Astell, Ben Franklin, and Luke (Stephanie) Astell, and special cousin Lynn (Steve) Borgstrom.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Astell; and brother, Paul.

Memorial Mass will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday, April 6th, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, with the Rev. Jayaraj Kalivela officiating. Friends and family may visit on Monday at the church from 12:00 pm until time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jim’s memory may direct donations to the youth program at Express Bike Shop in St. Paul or Friends of California Condors Wild and Free. Alternatively, the family is collecting funds towards specific projects in Jim’s honor. Additionally, there is a blood drive in the school Gymnasium prior to the service, from 8:00 am through 12:30 pm.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Watertown Hospital ICU and UW Madison Hospital ICU for their amazing care. They would also like to thank all the people who sent their prayers and good wishes during this time, especially Bon Ton Bakery. The support of the community is deeply appreciated.

Donation links:

Friends of the California Condor Wild and Free: https://www.friendsofcondors.org/donate

Express Bike Shop: https://www.exbike.com/donate

Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home is proudly serving the family.

When words can't fully express what we want to say, sometimes a small gift can. Visit our Memorial Store for personalized gifts, keepsake jewelry and to plant a memorial tree.

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James "Jim" Astell Obituary | Altogether