James "Jimmer" Shafel Jr.

James “Jimmer” Joseph Shafel, Jr. passed away suddenly on February 17, 2026 at his home at the age of 67.

Jimmer was born on January 17, 1959 in Antigo to Bonnie (Packard) and the late James Shafel. On January 17, 1998, he was united in marriage to Lisa Bretl at the White Chapel in Las Vegas. The couple later had their marriage blessed at St. John Catholic Church.

Jimmer graduated from Antigo High School, class of 1977. He went on to work at his family’s farm, Sunnydale Farms, as a potato grower.

Jimmer had a passion for motorcross racing and raced from 1974-1980. He also loved horse racing and even owned a racehorse. He enjoyed hunting with a circle of wonderful friends and family. He also had a passion for target shooting. Pizza boxes became targets and he loved to have his mom join him at his range. He was a pilot and loved to take scenic rides in his plane. Jimmer was known for always lending a helping hand and being a hard worker. He was a kind and gentle soul who carried a sense of joy and gratitude. He truly had contentment in his life. He was a loving and devoted husband to Lisa every single day. Jimmer touched so many lives and was loved dearly.

In addition to his wife Lisa and mother Bonnie, Jimmer is survived by daughters, Danielle Shafel of Amarillo, TX, Shannon (Bill) Healy of Stacy, MN, Missy (Steve) Roehrig of Antigo, , and Emily (AJ) Jansen of Antigo; siblings, Sandra (Michael) Vierzba of Florence, WI and Michael (Kathleen Rassmssen) Shafel of Bryant; mother-in-law, JoAnn Bretl of Antigo; grandchildren, Brock, Uriah, Grace, Addie, Jack, Ella, Noah, Max, Nora, Corbin, Charley, and Maggie, nephews Seth Rauman and Markus (Kristy) Shafel. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, members of the Bretl family, and his especially close cousin, Robert Packard.

In addition to his father, Jimmer was preceded in death by his brother Allen Shafel, niece Kayla Shafel, and father-in-law Joe Bretl.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jimmer will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at St. John Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Very Reverend Joel Sember officiating. Visitation will take place on Monday evening at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again at the funeral home Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:45 AM. Burial will follow the service at Queen of Peace Cemetery.