I was born in Waukesha and our family moved to Mukwonago in 1970 when I was eight years old. I played football and baseball for Mukwonago throughout high school and graduated in 1981. I built my current home in Mukwonago across the street from my childhood home in 1999. I have been involved with the Braves Youth Football program since 2000 volunteering as a 7th grade coach for 17 years, I am still a board member, run the clock for all the games on Saturdays as well as for the Freshman, JV, and Varsity teams, and added the LaCrosse teams this year.
About James R. “Rusty” Schoolcraft
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife Kris, son Ben (his wife Rachel), and step kids Brad Baker (Melissa), Jen Baker-Wambold (Josh), and Liz Henry. Adalyn, Brooks, and Ava are my Grandchildren. Mom (Carol) lives with us.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently I am an aerospace machinist at IDC (Instrument Development Corporation) in Mukwonago for 18 years. We are a defense contractor, so the parts we manufacture keep our country safe.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
There’s always time for a game of cribbage.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Traveling and exploring the world with my wife.
Q: What have you done to make Mukwonago a better place?
Craig Vertz and I filed the lawsuit against the State of Wisconsin to preserve the Indian mascot. I continue to be active in the Braves football program. I also coached the Varsity girls bowling team for six years.
James R. “Rusty” Schoolcraft & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community? And what is your favorite thing to order from those restaurants?
DAA (David Alan Alan’s) for smoked chicken legs, Boneyard for chicken wings, Jays Lanes Pizza, and Blue Bay for their breakfast burrito’s.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This was hard, but I narrowed it down to 3. Harold Gulla was my employer for 10 years, Ray Brueser Police Chief for the Village who taught me the most about bowling, and Carl Polocek… lots of interesting stories.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Fork in the Road because I remember when it was Vista Gardens.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would choose Bret Favre for his tenacity, grit and love of football. I would meet him with Keith Hensler, and Craig Vertz at David Alan Alan’s to talk football and enjoy smoked Old Fashioneds.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Mukwonago?
Friday night football, as well as keeping track of most of the high school sports teams.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is “A Few Good Men”, and Seinfeld on TV and anything with Tom Hanks.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m kind of shy and I hate talking on the phone.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
The Caribbean with my wife, a foo-foo drink (with an umbrella), and some sun. Now that is relaxing!
Q: What is your go to band/artist when you can’t decide what to listen to?
REO Speedwagon, I have seen them 20 times. I also love the Eagles and Fleetwood Mack
Q: If you had a time machine, what historical event would you want to see?
Woodstock and Super Bowl I.
Q: Do you have any nicknames? What are they and why were they given to you?
Rusty was the nickname given to me by my sister Carol when I was born. She wanted a brother named “Rusty” who was the little boy on Father Knows Best. My Dad called me J.R., and Squatty but I am not sure why (Hah).
Q: What are you passionate about?
My wife, family and Mukwonago Football.
Q: Who would you like to give a shout-out to that contributed to your success?
Too many to list, but Chris Walker, Craig Vertz, my Parents, and my wife who makes me a better person.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
September for Football and Canada Fishing, the Fourth of July is my favorite holiday, and February 15th a day that changed my life for the better.
Q: If you won $10,000,000 what is the first thing you would do?
Pay off our mortgage, buy a new truck, and take the whole family on a cruise.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Cinnamon, Apples, and burnt racing fuel.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Security, Tranquility, and Love
