James "Jim" "Pops" "Grampy" Graefe

James Robert Joseph Graefe, age 84, of Green Bay, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025. James (Jim) was born in Sheboygan, WI, on June 12, 1940, to Robert and Meta (Glanert) Graefe. He graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1958 and attended Valparaiso University for a time before marrying the love of his life, Sylvia (née Kraemer), on October 21, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. In 1966, Jim moved his growing family to Green Bay, WI, following a job transfer with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation.

Jim is remembered as a kind, caring, innovative leader who strongly defended virtue, dignity, equality, and doing what was right, even when it wasn’t easy. Throughout his life, he had many vocations, including starting a car wash at age 14, making plaster figures, fixing manufacturing machines, and bottling beer. His career with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation began in 1963 when he took a job as a ditch digger in Sheboygan. Over the next 30+ years, he advanced in Green Bay and briefly in Antigo, rising from accountant to management. He retired in 1999 as part of the “Three Amigos” and maintained many friendships with work colleagues, who became like family.

Alongside Sylvia, Jim generously gave his time and resources to many local charitable and civic organizations, as well as numerous national and global environmental and humanitarian causes. Always generous with his love, guidance, time, resources, and a good story and glass of scotch, Jim will be missed by so many. His warmth and compassion made everyone feel valued and respected.

Jim's adventures and travels included many trips out west and south to visit family and friends. His favorite trip was to Eleuthera, Bahamas, where he and a friend piloted a four-passenger plane to vacation with their spouses and immerse themselves in the local culture. Jim and Sylvia also enjoyed concerts, art exhibits, and supporting local initiatives together. They cherished excursions with their grandchildren and shared many hours of making syrup and sauerkraut with friends. Jim was always ready to take on a new project or offer assistance and support to anyone in need.

Jim was an extraordinary father (“Pops”) to three daughters, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and three sons-in-law, as well as many others he considered part of his close-knit group of loved ones. He was "Grampy" to six grandchildren, providing them with love, inspiration, guidance, adventure, and an abundance of lessons in fixing anything, woodworking, brat frying, sausage making, baking, great music, entertaining, and so much more. He raised lifelong learners who use their hands, hearts, and voices to advocate for others, solve problems, and strive for a better world. His ingenuity and integrity were an inspiration to everyone who had the blessing of being a part of his life.

Jim leaves a legacy of love for all who knew him and lives on in the hearts of his friends and family. His gregarious soul will be dearly missed by his children: Margaret (Paul) Brunette, Sara (Dean) Temlitz, Jennifer (Chris) Graefe-Olander, Charles (Charlotte), Samuel (Jenny), and Mike Scott. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael (Barb) Graefe and Robert Graefe; six grandchildren: Clara (Micah Robinson) and Konrad (Emily Berens) Temlitz, August and Leopold Brunette, Rory and Ellie Graefe; several step-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and countless loving friends. Jim’s devoted family was an integral part of his life. Daily video calls to watch Jeopardy! allowed him to stay in touch with his children and grandchildren until his final day. Asking what everyone learned that day and hearing about dinner plans always made him smile and gave him the opportunity to offer advice, encouragement, and words of love.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Unity Meng Residential Hospice and Odd Fellow Rebekah House for their care during this difficult time, as well as their cherished friends and neighbors who supported the family throughout the last years of Jim’s life. We are grateful for this strong community that will help us continue his legacy of learning, loving, growing, and striving for the greater good. One of his favorite quotes from Lester Holt will be a forever reminder: “Please take care of yourself and each other.”

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Paul's Pantry of Green Bay ( https://www.paulspantry.org/donate ), Doctors Without Borders ( https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org ), Unity Hospice ( https://unityhospice.org/donate ), or a charity of your choice in Jim’s name.