Jim Crowley is a 1948 graduate of Portage High School. Upon finishing high school he continued his education at LaCrosse State College, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. He also earned his Masters Degree in 1959 from the University of Wisconsin.

He began his first and only teaching job at Arcadia High School in 1955, where he remained until his retirement in 1991. In his tenure at Arcadia, Jim taught Physical Education and Science and was at one time or another, the head coach in basketball, track and wrestling. Jim was also very active in officiating, working football, basketball, track, softball and wrestling. He worked the state-wrestling tournament in 1983 and 1984.

In 1972 he began his tenure as Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Arcadia High School, continuing in that capacity until retirement. Jim began his work at the Coulee Conference Commissioner in 1986 and, as he says, "he's still going."

It was in the sport of wrestling that Jim put together an outstanding record. He started the program in 1964, continuing as head coach until 1972. He compiled a stellar dual meet record of 101-12, with 8 of his losses coming in the first season.

Crowley's teams won 7 Coulee Conference Championships along with 6 Regional Championships. Jim coached 1 state champion, Jim Haines, who went on to wrestling excellence as an NCAA Champion at Wisconsin and later as an Olympian. Jim also served the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association as District Three Representative for a number of year.

Jim's hobbies include fishing, woodworking and now, following sports as a spectator, although it should be noted, that he continues to be active in the sport of wrestling as a scorer for tournaments in the Arcadia area.

James “Jim” Edward Crowley 1930-2018

James “Jim” Edward Crowley, 88, of Arcadia, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the Grandview Care Center in Blair.

Jim was born on April 5, 1930, in Portage, Wisconsin to Edward and Elizabeth (Giese) Crowley. After graduating from Portage High School, Jim enlisted and served four years in the United States Air Force. Upon discharge, Jim attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse majoring in Science and Physical Education. While in college, Jim participated in track and was delegated captain. He went on to obtain his Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He married Margaret Hattie Kamla on May 18, 1957, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Arcadia. Together the couple moved to Arcadia for Jim to teach at the high school, where he taught science and physical education before moving into an administration position as assistant principal. He served as the Athletic Director for many years. Jim was a coach and official for a variety of high school sports including wrestling, basketball, baseball and softball. He was even inducted into the Wisconsin Wrestling Coach Hall of Fame and was elected as the Coulee Conference Commissioner. After Jim’s retirement, he was an avid gardener and enjoyed woodworking-especially constructing cribbage boards he so generously gave to others. He was a loyal member and volunteer of Holy Family Parish, and valued his faith, Irish heritage, and family.    

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret of Arcadia; sons: Ned (Barb) Crowley of Fountain City and Patrick (Tracey) Crowley of Baldwin; daughter: Colleen (Mike) Sobotta of Arcadia; sister, Jean Hamele of Portage; grandchildren: Meghan (Adam) Murphy, Mitchell Sobotta, Taylor Sobotta, Garrett Crowley, Mari Crowley, Robert Crowley and Sam Crowley; great-granddaughter, Hattie Margaret Murphy; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, William Hamele.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at Holy Family Parish with Reverend Sebastian Kolodziejczyk officiating. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Wozney-Killian Funeral Home with a 7 p.m. public prayer service, and also one hour prior to the mass at church on Wednesday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, rural Arcadia, with military rites performed by the Tickfer-Erickson American Legion Post 17.

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