James Mikuska

Mikuska, James Michael

Jim Mikuska was born in Parkston, South Dakota, on March 1, 1941, the son of Meta (Zeitner) and Edgar (E.E. or “A”) Mikuska. His undergraduate degree was from the University of South Dakota and his graduate degree was from Eastern Michigan University. Under his soft-spoken demeanor was a quick wit and an infectious sense of humor. He put that wit and humor to good use as a science and math teacher for Lake Fenton Schools in Fenton, Michigan where he also coached seventh and eighth grade basketball. Jim loved science; it extended into all areas of his life. He enjoyed gardening, bird watching, rocks, minerals and geology and animals, especially his dogs Pretzel, Popcorn and current dog Patches. He was a fan of cars and car shows. He had his first car a 1947 Chevy Sports Coupe restored and drove it to car shows. He also had a Butler gas pump circa 1920 from Mikuska Oil Company, his father’s gas station in Tripp, South Dakota, restored and displayed in his study. He was interested in model trains, had a collection of antique toys from his childhood, a collection of windmill weights, plus a clock collection. He always wanted to ride in the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. He played the trumpet and he loved Spam. Jim was a kind and thoughtful man and was a loving devoted husband. He married Kathy Wilson on June 29, 1991. They enjoyed traveling (within the United States and abroad), exploring nature, going on garden tours, going to plays, movies, museums and zoos. Jim passed away at his home in Fenton, Michigan on August 23, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Susan (Mason) Mikuska. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his twin sister Judy (Harlan) Konrad, and his nephews and nieces, Matt Konrad, Shannon Farrey, Maren Sharrow, and John Coleman.

Arrangements are provided by Sharp Funeral Home, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan. No public services will be held.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations to one of the following in Jim’s memory would mean much to him:

Visit https://www.plantmemorialtree.com/ to plant a tree in one of our national forests.
Send a check to Adopt-A-Pet Fenton at 13575 Fenton Rd, Fenton, MI 48430 or call (810) 629-0723 to help Fenton dogs and cats.
Visit https://detroitzoo.org/support/give/ to help an animal or give generally to the Detroit Zoo.
Send a check to Michigan Science Teachers Association, 2501 Jolly Rd. Suite 110, Okemos, MI 48864 to donate to the science organization where Jim volunteered.

He was Director at Large from 1989 - 1992 and High School Director from 1992 - 1995.