James "Jim" E. Low

James E. (Jim) Low, Jr., 82, died suddenly at his home in Wausau, WI on Sunday, September 10, 2023. His wife, Sharon, was by his side. He was born October 2, 1940 in Kenosha, WI, son of the late James Sr. and Sarah (Campbell) Low. He grew up farming in Harvard, IL; attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA and Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, WI. On August 28, 1965 he married Sharon Runger in Rushford, Minnesota.

Jim joined the Crooks Law Firm in 1965 and he and Sharon made their life (and life-long friendships) in Wausau, where together they raised 5 children. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He truly made all those around him feel welcomed and valued. Professionally, Jim dedicated 55 years of his life to the practice of law at what became Crooks, Low and Connell, S.C. He truly loved his work and kept that passion throughout his career. He held deep convictions about the value of each person and the importance of service that fueled his interactions with all of his clients.

When not in the office, Jim enjoyed making time for traditions like annual family vacations in Door County with dear friends, (the Taylor family) hosting the kids and their families at Christmas, and bird hunting in South Dakota with family, friends, and his beloved labs. Jim loved the outdoors and what they yielded, from daily walks with Sharon, to time on Lake Wausau, to the camaraderie of deer hunting and fishing trips. You could also find him at the card table, playing Bridge and catching up with all the Bridge Group Couples. He had such a zest for life.

Jim loved people… so much so that we couldn’t go anywhere without allowing for extra conversation time! You could always count on Jim for an engaging conversation, a smile that lit up the room, or a forecast of the Packers season. He was always happy to share the latest news from the Wall Street Journal… or a good manhattan. Jim found special joy in time spent with family and long-time friends, and cherished those relationships. Most of all, though, he provided a model of kindness, generosity and respect for all of us to follow.

Jim was an engaged person who not only continued to read and learn throughout his life, but to take action as a community volunteer. He made especially deep commitments to the Wausau Noon Optimist Club and to his faith community, St. Matthew Catholic Church.

In more recent years, Jim and Sharon enjoyed the new flexibility of his brief retirement , including celebration of their 58th wedding anniversary. Whether Jim was at-the-wheel sharing a drive through the countryside, or getting a long-overdue lesson in the kitchen, there was enjoyment in being able to do and explore together.

The morning Jim passed was “the perfect morning.” He and Sharon attended Mass together, had breakfast with dear friends, went for a walk, and started working around the house. It was then that the Lord called him quickly.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Low; children, Tim Low, Tom Low, Mike (Lisa) Low, Ann (Tim) Flynn, Katie (Curt) Coudron; and grandchildren Jack Flynn, Olivia Flynn (fiance, Tristen Plagge), Sean Flynn, Matthew Low, Abbie Low, Ethan Coudron, and Owen Coudron; siblings, Mary Grover, Jean Lynch; sister-in-law, Carol Runger; many beloved nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bernard Low; and in-laws, Bonnie Low, Phil Grover, Richard Lynch, Donald Runger, and Roger Runger.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 16, 2023 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Sebastian Kolodziejczyk will preside. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial in his honor to the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin or St. Matthew Catholic Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.