James J. “Jim” Willging, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous battle with MDS.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Church of the Resurrection.

The Mass of Christian Burial for James will be 11:00 am Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

He was born on November 14, 1946, in Dubuque to Arthur J. Willging and Mary M. Schubert.

Jim graduated from Wahlert High School in 1964. After graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1966 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany.

Upon returning home, Jim followed in his father’s footsteps and entered the IBEW electrical apprenticeship program, where he worked as a journeyman electrician until his retirement in 2009.

On May 1, 1971, Jim married Georgia A. Hutchcroft in Dubuque, and together they shared 55 years of marriage. Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Jim is survived by his wife, Georgia; his sons Jeffrey of Wabasha, MN; Daniel of Cedar Rapids, IA; and David (Jody) Willging of Peosta, IA; and his grandchildren Colton Willging, Chloe Willging, and Cody Willging, all of Peosta, IA.

He is also survived by his siblings Joyce Tignino of Wheaton, IL; Michele (Bill) Welter of Iowa City, IA; and Gregory (Laura) Willging of Dubuque, IA; brothers‑in‑law John (Sandi) Hutchcroft of Dubuque and Charlie Bergfeld of Peosta, IA; and sister-in-law, Dellene Till of La Motte, IA.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary Willging, his brother, Mark, and siblings-in-law, Bob (Leny) Hutchcroft, Joan (Jim) Hickson, Emma Jean Bergfeld, and Danny Hutchcroft.

Jim enjoyed bass fishing on the Mississippi River and was an original member of the Key City Bass Club and Tri State Bass Club. His most recent fishing trips – especially those shared with his oldest grandson – were among his happiest days.

Jim was known for the simplest things in life – his deep Catholic faith, his love of Dubuque history, and his devotion to AM radio, always remembered with the familiar sound of KDTH playing in the background. He enjoyed his neighborhood walks, where he would stop often to visit with neighbors. He was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church and an active member of the Asbury Eagles Club.

He was also a loyal fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Cubs.

Memorials may be given to Catholic Charities and Hospice of Dubuque.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Eric Engelman and his team at Mercy Dubuque, the compassionate staff at Hospice of Dubuque, and all the family and friends who called, visited, and supported Jim in his final weeks.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.