James C. Barany

James "Jim" Carroll Barany, born December 8th, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2025, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, with his family surrounding him. He was predeceased by his parents, Julius and Mary, his in-laws, Joseph and Martha Reuter, and his brother, John Barany.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sylvia, and their four daughters: Heidi Wolff, Jenny Poiset (Mitch), Amy Barany, and Rebecca Veum (Peter). Proud grandfather of eight; Spencer (Christa) Poiset, Sarah Poiset, Bennett Poiset (fiancée Marisa Mathias), Michael Wolff, Bradley Wolff, Carly Wolff, Megan Veum, and Lauren Veum. He is also survived by his brother Richard Barany (Linda) of Texas. 

His family was a source of great pride and joy throughout his life. He was a Renaissance man of great integrity and ambition—a legend of his own kind. 

Jim was a proud graduate of Pius High School and the UW Madison School of Pharmacy, 1958. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and a lifetime Badger football and basketball fan. He was an independent pharmacy owner in the metro Milwaukee area. 

Jim and his family were longtime residents of Hartland and enjoyed lake living for 29 wonderful years in their dream home, entertaining family and friends. They also enjoyed many ski trips to Telluride, Colorado. In 1998, Jim and Sylvia became "snow birds" and resided in Boca Grande, Florida. He loved it when his children and grandchildren would visit and spend time at the beach, pool, golfing, and fishing. 

Jim’s first love was golf, starting as a caddy, then playing on his high school golf team, and throughout the years to follow with family and friends. His main hobby was managing his real estate properties. He was an avid bird hunter and fisherman and loved his trips to South Dakota and Canada, where great camaraderie was enjoyed with his “hunting buddies”. Another one of Jim’s passions was traveling the world with Sylvia, embracing different cultures, and spending time gardening together while at home. 

Jim was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in North Lake, where he would attend weekly mass as a practicing Catholic. 

Evert Luko Funeral Home in Hartland, WI, is serving the family. 

There will be a Mass held in Jim’s honor on February 13th at 11:00 AM at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in North Lake. A Celebration of Life honoring James C. Barany will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Chenequa Country Club.