James Lee Hubbard

Madison: James Lee Hubbard started his new journey on Saturday, April 15th. He left us "his way", at home and free of pain. This was only accomplished with the help of the caring staff from Home Health United Hospice. Paving the way and waiting for him were his Mom and Dad (Martha and Orlan Hubbard) and his older sister Susan.

Jim was a native Madisonian, growing up on the east side. He loved telling anyone who would listen how he and his best friend used to hunt pheasants on the land that became East Towne Mall. He graduated from East High School in 1964. He then apprenticed to become a Dental Technician. This eventually led to him opening Hubbard Dental Lab. In the early years he worked for Dr. Fred Weigt at Associated Dentists and then went on to work for Doctors Gardner, Brooks and Yarnell where he spent most of his professional time.

Jim was an artist which was apparent in his crowns and bridges. He had the ability to come up with a "cool" drawing at the drop of a hat. This was most evident during the first year of school for his son, Justin. Once a week he would draw something he knew his son would like and include in Justin's lunch. It got to where the other students and Justin's teacher would anxiously await to see the drawing. One favorite was during the holiday season when he drew a tree with all the trimmings, presents and a train going around the bottom. As if he did not already have enough to do, Jim started a jewelry business, 14 Karat, Inc. His goal was to make unique pieces of jewelry affordable for people. Although he never made any money with this business he made some great jeweler friends, Jim and Judy Frett (Goldmasters) and Steve Terry (Terry Jewelers).

Jim received a life changing diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the liver which necessitated a liver transplant. He received a new liver in March of 2016 which allowed us to have him for another year. However the years of waiting for the transplant and the medication he needed to take took its toll and eventually his earthly body started failing.

We are so grateful to the doctors at Dean, Dr. Dimaggio and Dr. Michael Allan in particular, the transplant team at UW Hospital, Dr. Parul Agarwal, Dr. Fernandez, and transplant coordinators Amalie Nelson and Katrina Schuh as well as the staff on the transplant unit at the hospital.

Jim is survived by his wife of thirty years, Kathy and his three sons, Christopher, Matthew and Justin (Katie), brother Dave and nieces and a nephew. If you would like to honor Jim's memory we would love to support the two organizations that made the largest impact on his time with us. You can make a donation to either Home Health United or UW Transplant Center. Jim would be so happy to know that another family can have more, comfortable, time with their loved ones.

Jim, Dad, we miss you. You were our love and support. We start our new journey knowing you are with us every moment.