James Mansfield Schilleman

James Mansfield Schilleman, 91, passed away on October 1, 2022. He was born on March 28, 1931, in Ironwood, MI, to Walter and Nell (Parks) Schilleman. At age 4, the family moved to Antigo, WI, where he graduated from high school in 1949. From his freshman year and beyond, his classmates knew him by his nickname, "Jeep."

Jim continued his education at UW- Platteville earning his B.S. degree in 1954. He then began his Industrial Arts teaching career at Seymour Union High School. Jim furthered his education receiving his M.S. degree from UW-Stout.

Jim married Lila Hoffland in June of 1954. They were blessed with two daughters, Debra Jean and Amy Jo.

In 1958, Jim's teaching career took him to the Brookfield/ Elm Grove WI School District where he taught for eight years. The family resided in Waukesha. He then joined the faculty at his alma mater, UW- Platteville, where he taught and supervised graduating senior Industrial Arts students. Changing careers in 1966, Jim worked in a sales position for Voell Machinery, a Milwaukee based machine tool and supply company. He traveled the State of Wisconsin selling to many school districts.

During his tenure with Voell Machinery, a customer introduced Jim to Mardell Stockwell, a widow with five children, who resided in Green Lake, WI. This began a shared love of almost 50 years. Upon marrying on July 28, 1973, Mardy and her children moved to Jim's home on Lake Kegonsa, Stoughton, WI.

Retiring in 1986, Jim and Mardy relocated to Bella Vista, AR, and later to Horseshoe Bend, AR. During his retirement years, Jim spent considerable time enjoying golf, cabinet making, and a variety of handyman projects. He also enjoyed Canadian fishing trips and seven (2) week work missions in Northern Chile, South America. Mardy joined him on several recovery missions to tornado district areas in the United States. Jim was very active in Lions International for 23 years and as a clown in the Nomad Shrine Club for 10 years. In 2016, Jim and Mardy relocated to Cambridge, WI, to be closer to family.

Jim will be remembered by his family and friends for his love of music, especially jazz and big bands, his beautiful singing voice, being a wonderful dance partner, his love of fishing, his readiness with a story to tell, his many woodworking talents, and his time and dedication in completing the genealogy of his family.

Survivors include his wife Mardy; daughters, Debbie Sturm and Amy (Steve) Anderson; step-children, Julie Pippin, Mark (Lorrie) Stockwell, Laurie (John) Favreau, Dan Stockwell and Allan (Shannon Sears) Stockwell; grand-children, Ryan (Megan) Sturm, Emily (Sam De Franco) Sturm, and Justin Crossen; step-grandchildren, Steven (Whitney) Shepherd, Sarah (Michael Thurow) Quinn, Amber (Peter) Turner, Keith (Angie) Favreau, and Valorie (Randy) Holmstadt; Britt (Ross Seagram) Anderson, and 21 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, LuDene Kommers, brother, Jerry Schilleman, and his nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Jeanne VandeHey, Joyce Briggs, and Joan Cahak; and his step-grandson, David Stockwell.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Strasser- Roller Funeral Home, 504 Edison St, Antigo, WI. Visitation will from noon until the time of service at the funeral home. A Graveside service will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Rainbow Hospice, Jefferson County, WI, for their compassionate care. Memorials can be directed to Rainbow Hospice, Jefferson County, or to a charity of your choice.