Obituaries

James Robert “Jim” Spielman, 86, of Jim Falls, Wisconsin, passed away at peace following a series of strokes within recent years at the VA Home in Chippewa Falls on Saturday, November 30th, 2024.

Jim was born on January 8th, 1938, the eldest of four sons, to Erna W. (Marten) 1908-1992, and Robert E. "Bob" Spielman 1905-1991, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He spent his youth growing up in West Eau Claire, high school football, gymnastics, shop class, and a regular at summer campouts with his brothers and cousins in Rhinelander. Following graduation from ECHS Class of '57 enlisted with the USAF for a 6-year commitment as an Aero Space Ground Equipment Engineer, serving primarily in Labrador, Newfoundland. Upon returning home he pursued his interest in auto maintenance, auto racing and rebuilding cars. With the addition of family, he began building houses and was hired on at Uniroyal in 1968; for a long-dedicated career as a tire builder, Calendar Dept. Worker where the fabric for the tire is made and he even spent some time with Michelin North America, Fort Wayne Indiana (was BF Goodrich). Following retirement from the tire industry in 2000 he took up several jobs, Sacred Heart Courier, #428 Field Meter Reader with REA and even his own moving, hauling and storage business. Jim had a lifelong passion for the Green Bay Packers, coin collecting, family picnics, and attended Bethel Church until his health began to suffer. He loved auctioning and sketching and spending time with family and friends. As an avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, along with felling trees for

firewood, and bluegrass music and occasionally strumming bluegrass music on the mandolin.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Nancy J. (Pfankuch) Spielman; brother, Richard D. (Collete Rude) Spielman of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; two married daughters of former-wife, Kathleen R. (McCabe) 1946-2022; Tammy L. (Spielman) and husband Daniel Maurano of Boston Massachusetts, and Susan K. (Spielman) and husband Louis Bargellini of River Falls, Wisconsin. His loving compassion along with Nancy, helped him to raise over 10 children notably; Rick Schunk, Becky, Jill, Julie, Peter and Chuck Schunk and several others who remained in his thoughts and prayers to the end. Jim was Grandpa to over 15 and Great grandpa of 8 and growing. Jim is lovingly remembered and greatly missed by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, beloved neighbors and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Edward D. 1940-2020, and Jonathan G. "Sam" 1942-2019.

An inurnment service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11 am, at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Eau Claire; officiated by Pastor Carlton Kangas. Military honors will be performed immediately prior to the committal service.