Chippewa Valley Times

The UW-Eau Claire athletics program mourns the loss of long-time friend and volunteer Jim "Curly" Mueller, who passed away on June 18 at the age of 87.

Mueller was the inaugural recipient of the Blugold Spirit Award, which now bears his name. Established in 2010, this award recognizes non-staff individuals for their long-term service to or support of the Blugold athletics program. Recipients must demonstrate exemplary interest in and concern for Blugold student-athletes and coaches, embodying pride and spirit as a friend and ambassador.

In 2001, Mueller received a UWEC Honorary Alumnus Award. He retired in 1996 after 19 years as a locksmith at UW-Eau Claire but continued to be an active volunteer at Blugold athletic events across various sports. Initially serving as a volunteer host for visiting officials, he later assisted in all aspects of athletic event management. His contributions ranged from mopping floors during basketball game halftimes to hanging sponsorship signs before football games and preparing concessions.

Mueller also sponsored Most Valuable Player awards for all Blugold teams and helped build dugouts for the soccer field at Bollinger Field alongside Sean Yengo.

Living his entire life in Eau Claire, Mueller resided in the same house on East Hill where he was raised following his birth at Luther Hospital. Although he remained a bachelor throughout his life, he had many families within local communities including Blugold softball, soccer, and women's basketball teams.

Despite health issues preventing him from participating in sports himself, Mueller was deeply involved with fastpitch softball and bowling scenes in Eau Claire. He served on the Board of Directors and as Secretary of the Eau Claire Men's Bowling Association as well as Coach and President of the Eau Claire Junior Bowling Association. Additionally, he contributed to the Chippewa Valley Theater Guild both as a cast member and set builder.

Mueller's community involvement extended beyond sports; he co-chaired the State of Wisconsin Locksmiths Committee, participated in various university committees including Classified Staff Awards Committee and Building Committee for Allied Health Building. He also served on city boards such as Zoning Appeals Board while being active with Boys & Girls Club’s Board of Directors.

Jim included a bequest in his will to contribute to UW-Eau Claire’s athletics program through establishing James I. Mueller Fund stating: "My gift is a way to participate in Blugold athletics which I've supported through my volunteer work...I thought it would be nice to give back."

Long-time friend Tim Petermann described Jim as “a walking Eau Claire historian” who enjoyed driving around town reminiscing about past landmarks or residents associated with new constructions. Petermann added that Jim “seemed to know everyone” due to extensive community involvement across business trades theater church activities youth clubs university interactions among others many maintaining contact post departure from area.

Funeral or celebration arrangements are pending; memorials can be made online designated towards Fund 1378/James I.Mueller Fund or specific athletic funds honoring Jim’s legacy.