James Korb

James Louis Korb passed away peacefully in his home on December 18, 2025, at the age of 87. Born December 8, 1938, in Madison, to Reuben S. Korb and Esther S. Wilhelm

James attended and graduated from Madison East High School in 1957, later attending the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Throughout his academic life, he worked many jobs including work on his uncle’s mink farm as a young lad. In high school, he began working as a Hoffman House busboy. After high school, he worked both as a print setter and delivery person for The Madison Newspaper, and later as a mailman for the US Postal Service from 1960-1974. While working these three jobs, he purchased his first property. His legacy and ethos live on through the local Madison company and community he founded in 1959, which later became CHT Apartments.

James married his beloved Marlene Ring at St. Bernard’s Church of Madison on May 20, 1961. They lived together happily for 64 years exchanging laughs, quiet moments and unwavering companionship. The two will continue to cherish each other in their hearts forever.

James held a passion for travel. He enjoyed seeing the world with family and friends, where he accompanied them on vacations from Hawaii to Peru. He was also an avid adventurous traveler, enjoying train rides on rigid mountain sides of the Americas, cruising down the Danube and Amazon River, hot air balloon rides/shows in New Mexico, whitewater rafting the Colorado River and Central American Region, and more. Beyond his adventurous spirit he was also an avid collector. James and Marlene alike shared an interest in collecting, accumulating extensive collections of clocks, toy and model trains, and other antiques. Locally, he was a beloved member of St. Peter’s Church and loved supporting the Wisconsin Badger Athletics. He enjoyed ice boating with his sons in the winter and cruising on Lake Mendota with family and friends. Lastly, James was an aviation enthusiast, regularly attending the Oshkosh and Reno air shows among others.

James took great pride in the beautiful house(s) he called home. He was blessed over the years with amazing people and an incredible team at CHT, and friends including Jim Rapacz, Curt Brink, Louis Antoine, Gene Devitt, and many more.

James is survived and deeply mourned by his wife Marlene, children David (Brenda) and Joseph (Jennifer), his grandchildren Keenan, Hannah, Margaret, Sophia, Chase, Sawyer and great grandchild, Heath. We would also like to extend our sincerest gratitude to his team at Home Instead, who cared for him in his final year. James is preceded in death by his parents Reuben and Esther, his brother John, and their dog, Greta.

Please join us Tuesday, January 6th at Ryan Funeral Home at 2418 N Sherman Ave between 5:00pm-7:00pm to commemorate the life and legacy of James Louis Korb. A memorial service will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday.