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James Shapiro Obituary
James Allen Shapiro
March 29, 1954 - March 28, 2024
MADISON - James Allen Shapiro, 69, beloved father, brother, nephew, and uncle, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Born in Madison on March 29, 1954, he was the eldest son of Irving and Nadine (Schuster) Shapiro. Jim attended Cherokee Heights Elementary and Junior High, graduated from West High School, class of 1972, and studied Geology at the UW-Madison. He and his family members attended Temple Beth El.
Jim loved to travel throughout his life and saw more of the world than most people dream of. As a young man, along with traveling the States on motorcycle, he took extended trips through Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia and Hawaii. He spent years living in Hawaii, Salt Lake City, and Florida, before returning to his native Madison.
He later shared his love of travel with his growing family, taking them on adventures in Europe, Australia, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, the magnetic north pole and many other places.
Jim was well known for his confident business acumen. He founded Opal Fields Jewelry Store, first in Madison and then opened a second store in Honolulu. He had a Midas touch in real estate and a tenacity for negotiation and dealmaking.
Jim had a larger-than-life personality, a keen wit, and a jovial laughter. He held a deep loyalty to his friends and fierce love for his family. He was always willing to listen; his advice and presence will be greatly missed by many.
Jim had a big heart and never gave up on the people he loved. He maintained close, lifelong friendships and kept in touch with family and friends worldwide. Once Jim met you, he likely never forgot your name.
More than anything, Jim loved to spend quality time with his friends and family.
Jim is survived by his two sons: Paul and Nathan Shapiro; and his ex-wife and good friend, Robin Shapiro; his brothers: Michael (Tanya) and Robert (Katherine Zirbel); his nephews and nieces: Maya, Samuel, Isabel, and Zena; and his aunt, Susan Schuster (wife of the late Dr. Don Schuster).
Please join us to honor his memory at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave, Madison on Sunday April 7, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and memorial service at 11:00 .am. Burial will take place in Forest Hill cemetery immediately following.
May Jim Shapiro's spirit fly high and may his memory be a blessing.
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave. Madison
(608) 238-8406
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Shapiro
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison - Far West.
Kathleen Jordan
July 7, 2024
I only knew Jim from high school. And I have to say I remember his wonderful, huge, ability to make people laugh !!! My condolences to his family during this very difficult time. I had no idea Jim had traveled as many places as he did !! Rest In Peace Jim. You will live on in my memory.
Trish Ghaboussi
April 14, 2024
I always had some laughs when Jim came in to see me. He had a bigger than life personality but a kind heart.
Dar Boyer
April 7, 2024
Paul and Nate, my condolence go out to you, and to your family. I am so sorry to hear the news but he is in a much better place and he will be guiding you and watching over you the rest of your life until you can meet again. Jim was a very interesting and amazing man very intelligent ..
Jennifer and Luis Bacardi
April 6, 2024
Hey Paul and Nate,
We have come up for you , see you manana! So sorry ....
Words can't express what you/ I feel...Your dad , my great friend will always be in our hearts. Love to you both and your dad.
Andrea(Kivolowitz)Carvin
April 6, 2024
Paul, Nate and Robin, I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Nancy Nelson
April 6, 2024
From our first dance at Cherokee Jr. High to the 50th West High class reunion and all the times in between, Jim"s memory will live on in my heart with gratitude and love, and put a smile on my face. Wishing eternal joy and peace for you, Jim. To Jim's family, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers in the days ...years ahead.
Dave Diamond
April 6, 2024
Paul
Glad I had the opportunity to meet your father. We always had great conversations. His ability to talk on any subject was impressive. Here to support you and your family as you walk through this difficult time.
The Andersons
April 2, 2024
Our condolences go out to Paul, Nathan, Robin and Jim's family. We enjoyed visiting Jim in Wisconsin last October and catching up with him and his son, Paul. It felt special to see him at his home there as we ususually spent time with him in Hawaii. Looking back, we were lucky to share that time and enjoy introducing our sons to each other. May his spirit fly free in eternal love.
Charlie, Lisa and Lu Anderson
Claudia Redd
April 1, 2024
My heart and condolences go out to Jim´s family and friends. Like Barb Toomey, I grew up having Jim and his family as neighbors. I have so many fond memories of my time spent with both Jim and his family. His mother introduced me to the treat of having white bread spread with butter and sprinkled with sugar. I thought it was the greatest thing I ever ate. Jim and I used to play basketball at their backyard hoop after dinner many times on summer evenings. I went to prom my senior year with Jim and I can still see him in his tuxedo. We never lost touch for very long. I would say we spoke at least once a year if not more. My heart is heavy and wish I could talk to him just one more time. He was quite the character... he even sold a tie to my dad that he had picked out of trash. He will be missed! He was a great friend to me.
Pamela Jahn
April 1, 2024
My deepest sympathies to the family. I've known Jim since I was 19 and have had some fun times over the years. Boating was always a great time with Jim. His sense of humor was memorable. Rest in peace. Pamela Jahn
Eddie D. Brown
April 1, 2024
Jim I appreciate all the talks and video calls about minerals we've had and the hobby we shared. You definitely had one of the biggest personalities I've ever known and ill miss ya buddy. My condolences to Paul and the family Jim was a wonderful, kind, and young spirited person and he will be missed.
Diane and Ken Kahler
April 1, 2024
May you be blessed and be comforted. Our deepest condolences to Paul, Nathan and Robin and family.
Just saw Jim in February, am so sorry to hear of his passing.
David Jaffe
April 1, 2024
I knew Jim since the age of 3 when we went to nursery school together in Madison and remained friends ever since! I will most remember him for his sense of humor which we all need. My condolences to surviving family. God bless, David Hershleder [aka David Jaffe]
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
April 1, 2024
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Rich and Linda Burg and Family (Sue Schuster´s sister)
March 31, 2024
So very sorry for your family´s loss.
Virginia Rohlich
March 31, 2024
I am so glad I got a chance to visit with Jim at our last high school reunion. We were at West together and I remember having classes with Jim. He was always a very fun (and funny!) character. He commanded the room with his stories. My sympathy to his family. He will be missed.
Katie Clements
March 31, 2024
Dear Paul,
Our thoughts and condolences are with you during this difficult time. Please let us know what you need. We love you.
Dan and Katie Clements
Barb Toomey-Martin
March 31, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I grew up w/Jim as my next door neighbor. Many happy memories of our childhood together.
Barb Toomey-Martin
Robert Zitowsky
March 31, 2024
Jim was a Madison icon. I will miss seeing him around town. Quite a unique individual. I am glad I got to know him.
Casey O'Keefe
March 31, 2024
long time acquaintance
Cynthia (Cunningham)Baxter
March 31, 2024
My memories are from the days of high school and a bit beyond. My heart is touched by hearing of your passing,
Jim. ("Shap-zero" if i may) You broke a blade on my prized swiss army knife while visiting me in Oakland with your buddy, so i still think of you when i see it. A big personality.
Condolences to the family.
Sad to see a peer leaving this realm. Memories are precious.
With love.
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