James V. Wozney
James Valentine Wozney, 85, passed away at his home, Sunday, January 4, 2026, after a short battle with cancer.
James was born in Independence, February 14, 1940, to Frank and Mary (Przybylla) Wozney. He graduated from Independence High School in 1958, and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served for three years then went to work in Milwaukee. James married Betty Giemza, August 11, 1962, at St. Michael’s Church in North Creek. They were blessed with five children.
James was a carpenter and construction worker until he and Betty took over the Giemza family farm. He excelled at farming, but back issues forced a career change. He found the next best thing in the farm equipment business. He started at Eckel implement then went to Benusa Implement which through mergers became Arcadia Implement and is now Tractor Central. James served as an EMT with the Arcadia Volunteer Ambulance Service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club. He served on the OLPH Church Council, the Arcadia School Board, the Arcadia Credit Union Board and the Arcadia Utility Commission. In 2019, he received the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award.
James survived by his wife, Betty; children: Natalie (Terry), Tammy (Rod), Tom (Marilyn), Tim and Jon; grandchildren: Matt (Jenna), Sarah (Adam) Chase, Taylor, Mitch, Nick, Macy, Katelyn, Tyler, Ava, Carson, Layna and Elsie; step-grandchildren: Brandon and Kristen (Ryan); six great-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; sister, Kathy Ford; and sister-in- law, Debi Franson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerome; sisters: Michalene, Delores, Joan and Ann; mother and father-in-law, Marian and Cliff Giemza; and sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Jerry Davis.
Per James wishes, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Kyle Laylan officiating, Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with interment afterward at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Arcadia Country Club. If unable to attend the church service, please join us at the Celebration of Life.
The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice for the care they provided James and his family.
