After many light hearted jokes and comments about dying, Jim passed away with no regrets Christmas Eve, amongst the sounds of children's laughter, cookies baking and Christmas music. I know he is thankful that he did not die lonely or alone.   He didn't waste any time soaring to reunite with his Sweetsie Pie Ruthie.  Jim was a quiet man and he lived an exceptional 87 years of life as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend.  He did all the usual things a man of his era did.  He graduated from Kingsford High School, worked as a logger in the Upper Michigan woods, served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, married the love of his life, worked as a papermaker, bartender, had 3 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  He had many successes, made many mistakes and lived with regrets which he asked for forgiveness in his final days.

Dad loved to bowl, hunt, work with wood, gamble, a diehard Packer fan, college football, listen to music, history read Louis L'Amour books and continually learn.  He told many stories about his childhood and his Army life. He encouraged travel, seeing new sites and trying new foods. He grew to accept diversity, recognize that love is love, enjoy a good post touchdown dance, apologize, admit he was wrong and say I love you frequently. He was well versed in the political climate of our country and enjoyed a good political banter with Joan and Dave.  He always closed with the comment, 'it is your right to vote for whom you want and I'm happy you voted'.
He loved spending time with his family, especially with Stuart Brehm, his grandson and best friend. They planned weekly outings to have a good fish fry, or a steak and of course a few old fashions. There were occasional trips to the casino for a fun night of gambling.  Their greatest trip was to Washington DC on the Old Glory Honor Flight. The emotional experience formed a bond that few grandfathers and grandsons enjoy.
Sandy and Dave tried to honor all of Jim's requests to complete his life's bucket list.  The trio travelled to Tampa, Florida to meet his Great-Granddaughter Mikayla and reunite with Kim and her family.    We made a Florida side trip to visit his sister, Sis. What a sweet reunion it was!  We ate oysters, visited Sandy's Outlaws and ate at his favorite breakfast place - and the blueberry pancakes were as good as he remembered. Dave took Dad to his first Packer game at 85 and the team won - just for him. He travelled to Upper Michigan to satisfy his crave for one more serving of the best potato salad ever, made by Carol, she taught Ruth how to make it. He visited with his Bro Tom and Maureen and reminisced of times gone by. Dad enjoyed trips to Foster City to visit with his in-laws and relax at the ole homestead.  He went target shooting at gun ranges, in the north woods and he obtained his conceal carry license - with no intention to carry a concealed weapon.

Dad made many new friends later in life, Paul & Carol, Bill & Fran, Terri Wirth, Tim & Sara, Walter & Kim, and Peter & Cecile.

Dad is survived by Sandy (His Rock), her husband Dave Fontecchio, whom he loved like a son, Samantha (Eric) Brehm Fritz, Michelle Brehm, Stuart Brehm (special friend Chelsea Friday), Abby, Maggie and Paul Fritz, Kim (BreAnna) Cannon, Adam and Ben Ehas, Caitlyn (Chris) Ehas Roberts and Mikayla Ehas, Joy (John), Georgia, and Ian DeWild. brother Tom (Maureen) Marheine, sisters-in-law, Joan Filback, Carol Cholipski and Ann(Jack) Nord and several nieces and nephews.  Dad is also survived by his constant companion, Millie, the dog.

His wife, Ruth, his parents, his siblings, his in-laws and good friends all paved Dad's path for a grand reunion in the sky.
Special thanks to Dr. Joyce Bauer, Dr. Shannon Schmidt, Megan, Joan and Millie.
Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at Anduzzi's, 800 Shelfhout Ln., Kimberly on Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 2-5. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his honor.  Final resting place with be with Mom in Foster City, MI.

Dad - it was our privilege and honor to care for you in your final days.  We miss you.  Love Sandy & Dave

GranPa Jim -love you always.  Thank you for the memories.  Love Stuart

Love you, Granpa - Samantha and Michelle