James "Jim" Peter Hausmann

James “Jim” Hausmann, age 78, of Pewaukee Lake, passed away on Christmas Eve, leaving a legacy of love and joy. His passing on that day feels almost fitting, as Christmas Eve was always one of the most joyful nights of the year in the Hausmann home. It was a night filled with friends, food, laughter, and an open door for anyone who needed a place to belong. That spirit was the heart of who Jim was.

Jim was born in Milwaukee and spent his life building a world centered around family, friendship, laughter, and connection. He married the love of his life, Sue Hausmann, and together they were inseparable best friends. They truly shared life side by side, doing everything together, from the big moments to the small, everyday things. Jim was always there for Sue, loving and steady, and she always knew how deeply he cared. Their marriage was built on closeness, companionship, and genuine devotion. He was not only her husband and her love, but also her best friend, and their life was defined by being together and loving each other deeply.

Jim is survived by his wife Sue; his son Jeremy “JJ” Hausmann and wife Angela; and his grandchildren, Carter (15) and Emma (13), who he adored and bragged about endlessly. He is also survived by his beloved nieces Sue (Jim) Ristow Putnam (Jake, Katie, and Nick) and Barbara Ristow Hennessy (Lily and Eloise). He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Ruth Hausmann and sister Judie (John) Hausmann Ristow.

As an only child, JJ shared an extraordinarily close bond with his parents. Ski racing trips, sailing regattas, vacations, and everyday moments turned into lifelong memories. Jim and Sue did not just support their son; they embraced his whole world. JJ’s friends became like their own kids, welcomed into the Hausmann home for overnights, lake days, road trips, and holidays. So many of them have reached out in heartbreak, sharing how deeply Jim impacted their lives. Jim was not only a father to JJ; he was a big brother, a best friend, and a mentor.

Jim’s personality was truly one of a kind. He was a nonstop joker, a storyteller, a natural entertainer, and someone who could walk into any room and instantly become everyone’s favorite person. He had a rare gift. He could joke with people in a way that made them feel included and appreciated. He made people laugh constantly, and his warmth was unmistakable. Many who knew him would say Jim was unforgettable and a true legend.

In his career as a used car buyer, earning him the nickname “Wheeler Dealer,” Jim had the uncanny ability to sell absolutely anything. People listened to him, trusted him, and genuinely liked him. He connected with people from every walk of life, and he treated all of them with the same genuine respect. Titles did not matter to him. People did.

Some of Jim’s happiest moments were spent on the lake. He loved being out on the pontoon boat with a rum and Coke in hand, Sue beside him, and his beloved dogs, Kono and Kia, curled up nearby. He especially loved watching JJ race the V181, cheering proudly from his favorite spot on the lake. Those simple, perfect lake days captured who he was, joyful, welcoming, and always ready to share life with the people he loved.

Jim was grateful that JJ found someone as loving and supportive as Angela. He loved their marriage, and the warm, joking relationship he shared with her.

To his grandkids, he was “Pappy,” a name that always made him light up. He loved sharing ski videos, bragging about their achievements, and watching them develop the same love for the water and for skiing that he had passed down to JJ. They have a lot of their grandpa in them, and he knew it. Being their Pappy was one of the great joys of his life.

Jim leaves behind a small family but a massive circle of friends he treated like family, friends who loved him deeply, and friends whose lives he changed simply by being himself. Jim’s legacy is one of love, laughter, generosity, and genuine human connection.

Although his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his family takes comfort in knowing that every Christmas Eve from this point forward will be a celebration not only of the holiday he loved, but of the man who made life so fun, so full, and so meaningful. He will be missed more than words can express.

In lieu of flowers, please send rum — or even better, consider a donation to The Little Warriors Foundation.

A visitation will take place on January 6, 2026, at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a service. Family and friends are welcome to come celebrate Jim's life.