James Thomas Racette

James Thomas Racette, 80, of Mercer, WI, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, in Underhill, VT. He was born on October 5, 1944, in Milwaukee, WI.

After high school, he became a skilled draftsman, eventually relocating to northern Wisconsin to raise his girls in the country, near his in-laws. He was employed at the Flambeau Paper Mill until his retirement. He held a second job as a caretaker of vacation properties on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his friends from Illinois, sitting by the lake visiting, fishing, and hunting. Later in life, one of his favorite pastimes was to sit at the dining table, conversing and reminiscing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Geraldine, and his wife of 41 years, Jacquelynn Racette, and all but one of his siblings. Jim is survived by his daughters Julie Krause (Tim), and Jill Fry (Gordon); his grandchildren, Thomas Krause, Cynthia Szymanski (Bria), Megan Krause, Tessa Krause, and Austin Fry. He leaves behind his sister, Geraldine Gross and many, many nieces and nephews.

The mutual love of Snoopy had bonded Jim with Julie's mini-dachshunds, especially Liberty. She would spend hours staring at his Snoopy stuffed animal trying to get him to share. All four mini dachshunds would spend their days lounging on his bed, watching TV with him and barking at anything that moved outside.

Jim loved spending time with his family, riding his scooter around the property, traveling to and watching Tessa at American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) horse shows.

He is greatly missed.

A memorial service is being planned for a latter date.