James M. Legge

James Micheal Legge, age 83, of Auburndale, passed away early August 9, 2025, at House of the Dove in Marshfield. A funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 15, at Faith Lutheran Church in Marshfield. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home on Thursday, August 14, and again at 10 AM on August 15, at the church one hour prior to the service. The livestream link for the service is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Na39wGTaA5r4PwZbUGi2Q

He was born March 26, 1942, the son of Walter and Joyce (Olson) Legge in Eau Claire. He graduated from Memorial High School in Eau Claire in 1960. He met Ethel Sturgis at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, where they were later married in August of 1964. Together they raised two daughters, Lisa and Dawn.

Jim was a member of Faith Lutheran Church where he served as a confirmation teacher, church council member, and usher for many years. He was a member of the Auburndale Volunteer Fire Department and served as a softball umpire for many years. He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, trapping, poker, softball, basketball, bowling, and telling stories. Those who knew him will miss his calm demeanor, his listening ear, his sense of humor, and mischievous grin.

Jim was a science teacher at Auburndale High School from August 1964 to May 2002; most former students will remember his Wildlife Biology class. He also coached boys’ basketball for 36 years and started the girls’ softball team, which he coached for many years. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches’ Association in 2015 and received the Wisconsin Athletic Directors’ Association award for 50 years of service to athletics.

He was a devoted husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, and neighbor.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel; parents, Walter and Joyce; and brother, Mark.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Dan) Olson of Greenfield, WI, and Dawn (Vern) Anderson of Thorp, WI; his grandchildren, Kiley, Matthew (Madelin), Brady, and Kyle; and siblings, Mikelle (Dave), Chris (Al), and Walt (Jan).

A special thank you to the caregivers at the Aster Assisted Living Center, Marshfield Medical Center, and House of the Dove during these last six months.

Those wishing to express their sympathy are encouraged to donate to the Jim Legge Memorial Scholarship Fund set up at First State Bank.

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