James Burke Herman

James B. Herman, 69, passed away on June 4th, 2025, at Carrol Lake, Woodruff WI, and was able to give the gift of life through organ donation in Wausau WI. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final moments. He was born on September 27th, 1955, Sheboygan WI, the son of Roger and Mabel (Mason) Herman. Jim was a proud member of the US Army where he was stationed in Germany. This had a lasting impact on his life and he was honorably discharged in 1977. He had many adventures between owning a bar "The Living Room" in Clintonville to being a chef at Michael's Cerise in La Crosse, WI. Jim then settled down in the Fox Valley as a machine operator and he retired from Stowe Woodward March 10th, 2021.

Jim was a true adventurer at heart and found peace and joy in the great outdoors especially when camping, fishing, and hunting. He enjoyed going up to Carrol Lake where he has spent time camping since he was baby. He spent countless hours in nature often with a fishing rod in hand or trekking through the woods in search of a big buck or even finding raspberries to snack on. Jim loved nothing more than to set up camp, cook over an open fire, and enjoy a cold beer especially while listening to the loons on the lake or the Brewer's/Packer's game. Those who knew him best will always remember the stories he told around the campfire and the quiet joy he found in the stillness of the wilderness.

But more than anything, Jim was the best dad and grandpa anyone could ask for. He led with love, lived with purpose, and gave his family the kind of steadfast support that only he could provide. His grandchildren adored him, and his children looked to him both as a guiding light and a rock of stability, often calling him for advice on the silliest of problems. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will live on through them.

Jim will be deeply missed, but his spirit will remain in every shared memory, every outdoor adventure, every well-packed vehicle, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his children: Jenna Herman-Verhagen (Brandon) and James “Jimmy” Herman (Casey); his grandchildren: Tyler Lindsey, Talia Verhagen, Sullivan Verhagen, and Lily Herman; former wife and friend, Janine Herman; his sister: Melanie (Mike) Houge; his bonus sisters: Debbie Herman, Chris (Rick) Myren, Marlene Johnson; his nephew: Christopher (Kelly) Herman, his nieces: Jessica (David) Leiberg, Morgan (Dallen) Barrington, and Chanin (Tim) Styka; and many great nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents: Roger and Mabel Herman; his son: Justin Clark Herman; and his brothers: Mike Herman, Chuck Herman

A celebration of life will be held at Bubolz Nature Center at 12pm, July 6th, in the Great Blue Heron Hall at 4815 N Lynndale Dr. Appleton, WI 54913.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the Rock Creek Disabled Outdoors Organization in Willard, Wisconsin.

We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to those who tried to help Jim at Carrol Lake, the staff of Howard Young Medical Center, the ICU team at Aspirus Medical Center, and the UW-Madison Organ and Tissue Donation team for their exceptional compassion and care.