James Schleppenbach

James Joseph Jimmy Jo Schleppenbach left this world on April 3, 2014 to be reunited with his family and friends in heaven.

To sum up Jims life into words is difficult. He had a smile that beamed brighter than the night moon. He always was looking to make new friends (maybe the exclusion of Viking fans) and you knew it would be a party if Jimmy Jo showed up. He was known to fuel the celebration when he pulled out his guitar to play Lets go to Schleppenbach Texas with JJ and TJ and the boys or Tennessee Stud. He also wrote songs for various events, including a heartfelt song for his daughter Deeda Monica (the apple of his eye) for her wedding. Jim and his friend Bugeye spent many hours entertaining folks on their guitars and spoons who came to the Dump Boys cabin for relaxation.

Jim was a proud member of the Cabin Group better known as the Dump Boys. In 1976 Jim, Scotty Emer, Jon Odie, Tommy Bugeye and Steve bought a cabin in Stone Lake. There they made many friends and continued to build onto the cabin each year. That was their excuse for needing to go North every weekend. Jim was also a member of the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus.

He perfected the best martini everJust add a little olive juice. And he loved to cook. Everyone loved his prime rib with barnaise sauce. Jim was also a World War II history junkie and loved to read.

Jim helped coach his son, Lukes little league team and accompanied them to nationals in Indiana. His favorite saying for the team was giddy up muchachos. He also was the announcer for sons, Ty and Lukes hockey games. He always talked about his boys and how proud he was of them.

Jim was an enthusiastic golfer and spent many hours trying to perfect his game with Chuck Young. He was a member of Wissota Golf Club.

He always loved a new adventure. In between cancer treatments last year, Jim enjoyed a trip to Italy and Germany with his wife Sue, his son Luke and Lukes girlfriend Robin Wow, what a trip. These memories will be with us forever.

After leaving Menards he began his own business, Schleppenbach Janitorial. He was a very successful businessman and made many lifelong friends. Jim also frequented the local tavern Charlies where this past year he and his partner Tom, took first place for the Thursday Schmear league. He always enjoyed stopping at Charlies for just one.

Jim only wore clothing that supported his teams: Brewers, Packers and Badgers and plus anything Leinenkugels. Jim also played fastpitch for Baldys Bar and helped them win many tournaments.

Jim was born on 9/16/54 to Cecelia (Gautier) and George Schleppenbach. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from McDonell High School in 1972. He then attended UW-Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College. He married Debra Steinmetz and became a father to: Monica (Richie) Blackwell; Tyrus (Melissa )Schleppenbach; Dr. Luke (Robin Barrett) Schleppenbach. He was so proud of his kids and the partners they chose to spend their life with. After he and Debra divorced he married his main squeeze, Susan Haas in August, 2003. He was blessed with 7 wonderful grandchildren: Erika, Alexa, Ryley and Ava Blackwell and Max, Madeline and Samuel James Tryus Schleppenbach.

Jim was the baby of the Schleppenbach family and loved being spoiled by his two sisters Jean (Ralph) Preall and Arline (Scott) Taylor who survive him. He is also survived by his brother David (Linda) Schleppenbach. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bob, John and Tony and 3 nephews; Shawn Taylor, Paul Schleppenbach and Tony Preall. He is survived by nieces and nephews: Renee, Rob, TJ, Eli, Matt, Aaron, Jeremy, Andy, David, Jay and Megan; and Lily his dog who kept him company while visiting his customers.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls with Msgr. Mark Pierce officiating. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday, April 7 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel in Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.

Lunch will follow at the Heyde Center after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jims honor may go to Irvine Park.

AFTERSERVICE

A funeral service for James Joseph Jimmy Jo Schleppenbach was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 8 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Chippewa Falls. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce was celebrant at the funeral mass. Music was provided by organist, Judy Brist and vocalists, Rachael McIlquham and Adam Accola. Readings were given by Renee Taylor Nelson and the eulogy was given by Rob Taylor. Gift bearers were grandchildren, Erika, Ava and Ryley Blackwell, Alexa Harris, Max, Madeline and Sam Schleppenbach. Interment was at Hope Cemetery, Chippewa Falls. Casket bearers were, Ty and Luke Schleppenbach, Joe Bernier, Scott Emerson, Jon OConnell and Tom Stary.