by Staff, on Sep 08, 2026
FSA President Earnie Seibert recently acknowledged the important work of Jim Mueller during a Distinguished Alumni Recognition Program at the 2026 Annual Food Shippers Conference in Orlando, FL.
Jim (James Arthur) Mueller was born on January 24, 1950, in Beloit Wisconsin to Robert and Oniece. He passed away Aug. 17, 2026, as the result of a sudden medical emergency. He was Technology Advisor for Food Shippers of America from 1995 through 2026, which involved everything from acting as audio/visual administrator to critical operations for the annual Food Shippers Conference over many years.
The FSA Board of Directors paid tribute to his years of service with this formal statement: “For decades, Jim Mueller was the quiet force behind Food Shippers of America conferences. He coordinated and guided conference production, solved countless challenges, and made complex events look effortless. More importantly, Jim built relationships and treated everyone with respect and kindness. Whether working with board members, attendees, or audio/visual crews, he made people feel valued. His dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to FSA left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work with him.”
FSA acknowledged the important work of Jim Mueller during a Distinguished Alumni Recognition Program March 2 at the 2026 Annual Food Shippers Conference at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando, FL.
In addition, former FSA Chairman, President and member of the Board of Directors Joe Lombardo had this to say: "Jim was defined not by his words but his actions. He gave tirelessly his time and talent to FSA as an organization. He was a giver, not a taker."
The Life of Jim Mueller
Not long after graduating from Beloit Catholic High in 1968, he moved to Madison, WI. Within months he took what he thought would be a short-term job at Oscar Mayer, his first job in the food industry, and remained there for 40 years. He rose from being a Janitor and gradually was promoted to the company's go-to technical guru. His job title for most of those years might have been Media Specialist but people remember him as so much more. Everyone in the Corporate and Engineering Departments knew and relied on his expertise.
Yet his job hardly defined Jim Mueller, who had many interests. He was a renowned bowler for decades, he golfed (a work in progress), and loved motor racing. Every year he went to the Indy 500, always returning home having made new friends. He also loved everything about photography, and created a thriving wedding photography business for couples throughout southern Wisconsin. He even found time to pass along his love of photography to students he taught at Madison Area Technical College (MATC) in Madison, WI.
Jim had two special women in his life. For 32 years he was married to Laura Mueller (Lightbourn). A few years after Laura's passing, Jim had the great fortune to strike up a relationship with Kay Klubertantz, who shared his love of photography and traveling - especially cruising.
Jim is survived by his daughter Jessica Gilkison, his son-in-law Stuart Gilkison, and his grandchild Benson Gilkison, along with many loving family members and friends within the FSA community. His sister Sharon proceeded him in death.
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