James T. Staley

James “JT” Staley was born on March 13, 1962, to Jim and Nora Staley in New Kensington, PA. He was surrounded by love from his sisters Judy (Dan) Bellinotti and daughter Danielle, Leila Staley and son, Tim Mitchell, Elle Hamilton and daughters Hannah and Aryn Press, and brother, Robert Staley. His childhood was full of family, football, and his Mom’s fabulous cooking.

JT received his undergraduate from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1984 and his master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Georgia Tech in 1987. Following in his father’s footsteps, he pursued a successful career as a Metallurgical Engineer. JT eventually earned a master’s degree in Management of Technology from the University of Minnesota in 1996 and his doctorate in Engineering from Robert Morris University in 2007. JT had a tremendous work ethic and love of learning.

JT and Kay (Olson) met in Atlanta, Georgia at the American Pie in 1987 and were married on August 12, 1989, at St. Luke’s Lutheran church in Greendale, WI. Together they loved to go to plays, watch sports and movies, spend time with their families, and travel.

The highlights of JT’s life came with the birth of daughters Kaitlin and Summer. JT loved reading to his girls, planning birthday parties, helping with homework, passing the football – Culpepper to Moss – acting alongside them in church plays, cheering as their number one fan at sporting events, and being their all around go-to guy.

JT led his family to experience an outpouring of love, fun, and adventure as they moved from CA to MN to MI, IL, FL, and WI.

JT is further survived by mother-in-law Karen Olson, in-laws Jane (Ed) Emery and Ross (Robin) Olson, and nieces Lisa Bell (Bryanna and Lily), Kara Emery (Alicia, Mackenzie, and nephew, Easton), Erica Emery, and Emma, Addison, and Paige Olson.

JT is preceded in death by his grandparents Frank and Rose Marion, Thomas and Elizabeth (Elsie) Staley, and father-in-law, Wayne Olson.

Family and friends will gather on Thursday, May 11, from 4-6:00 pm at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 6705 Northway in Greendale. Memorial service to follow at 6:00 pm.

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