O.D James M. "Jim" Ulesich
James M. "Jim" Ulesich, O.D., age 70 of Menomonie, died Friday, April 5, 2013, at his home in Menomonie with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jim was born on May 1, 1942, in Chicago, IL. He was the son of Joseph and Anne (Lunka) Ulesich. He grew up on a farm near Willard and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1960. He attended UW-Eau Claire for pre-optometry and went on to Illinois College of Optometry. Jim graduated with his Doctorate in Optometry in 1965. Jim married Rita Dimmitt on June 5, 1965, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fairview. After marriage, they moved to Kenosha where Jim joined an optometric practice. Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, where he served as an optometrist in Ft. Rucker, Alabama, for two years before being Honorably Discharged as a Captain in 1968. In May of 1968, Jim and Rita moved to Menomonie where they purchased the Dr. Vlies Optometric Practice. Jim built a new clinic in 1989 in downtown Menomonie, which is now the Menomonie Eye and Optical Clinic. He retired from practice in 2007.
Jim loved to go golfing, biking and traveling. He also enjoyed his yard and surrounding woods. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Menomonie American Legion, the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce and an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He also helped with the Hunter Safety Program providing eye exams.
Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rita, children; Steven (Kelli) of Slinger, Jennifer (Jeff) Bechel of Durand and Jason (Darcy) of New Richmond, six grandchildren; Trevor, Spencer, Jacob, Jordan, Dylan and Casey, two brothers; Ronald (Jan) of Lake Carroll, IL and Robert (Barb Horn) of Loyal, nieces, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.