James R. Jagler, 97, a lifelong resident of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, June 29, 2024, at Pine Haven Christian Home in Oostburg where he had been residing.
Born November 24, 1926, in Wausau, WI, James was a son of the late Jospeh and Ruth Spiecher Jagler. He attended Wausau area schools and graduated from Wausau High School in 1944. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He then went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. On August 15, 1953, he was united in marriage to Margaret E. Hyde at the First Methodist Church in Wausau. They were married for 70 years before Marge preceded him in death on May 9, 2024.
Jim was hired as a chemistry teacher at Central High School and then South High School. He returned to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he received his Masters Degree in 1957. He spent several summers working at Plastics Engineering in Sheboygan as well as attending multiple summer programs involving research and teaching. Over the years, he received multiple teaching awards including Wisconsin Science Teacher of the Year. He retired in 1990.
Marge and Jim took many trips including Europe, England, Thailand, Malaysia, Guatemala, and many US destinations. He was a member of First Congregational Church in Sheboygan. He volunteered for many organizations over the years including Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Sheboygan County for more than 20 years, Meals on Wheels for 20 years, the Sheboygan Food Pantry, and the American Red Cross, where he taught CPR, volunteered around the country with disaster teams, and donated many gallons of blood. He played “Mr. Wizard” and performed chemical magic shows at the schools. He enjoyed his time up north at the family cottage on Bass Lake, especially fishing with teachers, kids, grandkids, and friends. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers and playing cards.
He is survived by his children, Sue (Leonard Grosso) Jagler, Kurt (fiancé Judy Rivest) Jagler and Sandra (Randall) Mau; six grandchildren, Sarah (Bryan) Zellmer, Kyle (Rebecca) Jagler, Leonard (Sarah Fieser) Grosso, Anthony Grosso, Alida Mau and Robert Mau; his great grandchildren, Brycen and Aubrey Jagler and Braelyn and Adalyn Zellmer; other relatives and friends.
Besides his parents and wife, Margaret, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Brenda Jagler; and his brother, Donald Jagler.
A Celebration of Life for Jim will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1132 Superior Avenue. Family and friends are welcome at the funeral home on Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Memorials in his name may be directed to Sheboygan County Meals on Wheels or the First Congregational Church.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Pine Haven Christian Community for all of their loving care and support.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jim’s arrangements.
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