James Robert Schwisow, DVM

James Robert Schwisow, DVM (“Dr Jim”), age 73, of Milton, WI, passed away on July 30, 2025, at SSM Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born on March 2, 1952, to Herbert and Alice (Drewing) Schwisow, in Beatrice, NE. He was united in marriage to Cindy (Ross) Schwisow on June 29, 1985, in Edgerton, WI.

James grew up on the family farm in DeWitt, NE, where he learned values that served him throughout his life. He was a very hard worker and started driving tractor at an early age. Among his many chores, he rode the family horse out to herd the cattle and dairy cows to fresh pasture at the end of every day, just as his brothers had done before him.

He had a lifelong love of learning and excelled in school. He graduated in 1970 from Wilber (NE) High School, where he enjoyed time with classmates and participated in numerous activities including speech, drama, chorus, showing pigs in 4-H, and FFA. In his senior year, he was chosen to attend the national FFA convention in Washington, DC.

James graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1974 with a degree in Animal Science and earned his Doctor of Veterinary of Medicine degree from Kansas State University in 1978. He practiced in Chestertown, MD, until 1981, when he became a partner in Badger Veterinary Clinic, Janesville, WI. He later opened his own practice in the Janesville area, working out of his home and truck. He was a caring, skilled, and respected veterinarian with special interests in equine dental health and reproduction. Though his hours were long, Dr. Jim loved working with his clients and their animals. He often drove out in the middle of the night on emergency calls— occasionally stopping to pull people out of ditches during snowstorms—but he was always so happy and exhilarated when he arrived home in the early mornings after delivering a foal or calf.

Jim also found great joy and success in breeding and raising Appaloosa rope horses, including several National and World Champions (shown by Roger and Karla Johnson of Fort Atkinson, WI). The first Appaloosa foal he bred and raised was inducted into the Appaloosa Hall of Fame as a mare in 2005. He was active in national, state, and county veterinary associations and the Appaloosa Horse Club.

Jim faced many challenges in his life and always met them with tenacity, quiet strength, and a positive attitude. His family and friends will dearly miss his clever jokes, big hugs, generosity, wise advice, calming presence, expressive eyes, and warm smile. His heart was as big and wide as the Nebraska prairie. He ended a life of service by being an eye, bone, and tissue donor.

Through their 40 years of marriage, Jim and Cindy loved being together and enjoyed traveling, snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, monitoring bluebird boxes, tending to newborn foals on crisp spring mornings, and just sitting quietly in nature.

James is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; brothers, Lyle (Karlene) of Wilber, Arthur (Ruth) of Las Vegas, and Roger (Eldonna) of Lincoln, mother-in-law, Dona Ross Pratt of Edgerton; brothers-in-law, Patrick (Sherri) Ross of Wauwatosa and Peter (Bobbi Marck) Ross of Beaver Dam; sister-in-law Mary Ross (Kris Russell) of Edgerton; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alberta Cullison; brother-in-law, Marlyn Cullison and niece, Sharlyn Torkelson.

A visitation will be held at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N Wright Road, Janesville, WI, on Thursday, August 21, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, with a Celebration of Life immediately following.

Memorials may be made to the Milton FFA Alumni in memory of Dr Jim Schwisow.

Jim, you will be missed beyond measure. My heart is your heart, and your heart is my heart. I love you and will carry you in my heart forever. – Cindy