James Melis

James “Jim” Melis, age 88 of Plymouth, WI, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023 at Kindred
Hearts in Plymouth. He was born on April 21, 1935 in Plymouth, son of the late William and Jeanette
(Noordyk) Melis.
Jim graduated from Plymouth High School in 1953. On September 10, 1955, he married Janice Powers at
St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. During their 65 years of marriage, they were also members of
St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cascade. Janice preceded him in
death on April 8, 2020.
He briefly served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. When Jim and Janice started their family, he was a dairy
farmer, farming until 1971. He went on to work for Cornell Motors before opening his own auto body
shop from 1975 to 1982. Jim retired from Sheboygan Chevrolet after almost 30 years.
Jim and Janice were avid supporters of everything their children did, even as they got older. . Jim had a
passion for riding his motorcycle with the love of his life riding on the back. He was a dirt track racing
enthusiast, working on pit crews for friends and his three sons. He enjoyed being at the Plymouth track
or whatever track his sons were racing. At age 75, he taught himself how to play the button box
accordion and continued to play throughout the rest of his life. He belonged to the Sheboygan
Accordion Club and was known as “Button Box Jim”. Jim was also a loyal sports fan. He especially loved
to support his favorite teams: the Packers, Bucks, Brewers, and Badgers.
Survivors include his three sons, Chuck (Deb) Melis, Jim (Jamie) Melis, and Tim (Cindy) Melis; four
grandchildren, Chad (Marily) Melis, Tiffany (Eric) Schieble, Zachary Melis, and Nicholas Melis; and two
great-grandchildren, Max Schieble and Arlen Melis. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other
relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; parents; daughter, Rita Jo Melis; and
sister, Reta Melis.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 22 nd at St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth from 2:00 –
4:00 PM with a memorial service to follow at 4:00 PM. Pastor Andrew Thompson will officiate. A private
inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Jim’s name. The Suchon Funeral Home is
assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff of Kindred Hearts, especially Evelin and
Tina for all the care and compassion given to Jim and his family.