James A. Renshaw

James A. Renshaw passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at his home in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He was 95 years old.
Always quick with a joke and a friendly smile, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved to play cards, dine out with friends, and watch football and baseball games. He loved nature, and in his younger years he often looked forward to the next fishing or hunting trip, traveling to Canada, Montana, Michigan, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida. His theme song was "On the Road Again," by Willie Nelson.
Jim was born in Peoria, Illinois, on July 20, 1929, the son of Hugh "Bert" and Katherine Renshaw (Deters). He grew up in the Peoria area with his sisters Ruth, Edith, and Anna, and worked in his father's grocery store.
After high school, Jim worked as a manager at Keystone Steel and Wire in Bartonville, Illinois, for 23 years. He then purchased A&W restaurants in Washington and Springfield, Illinois, and served on the National Advisory Council for A&W Restaurants.
In 1978, Jim and his wife Sue sold these businesses and moved to Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where the fishing was better! They owned and operated the Matador Family Restaurant for 18 years and the Junction Family Restaurant for 2 years. Jim also established Greater Tomahawk Area Fishing Unlimited, a charitable group that stocked lakes, built piers, and offered other services.
After selling the Tomahawk restaurants, Jim and Sue purchased Hoggie Doggie's Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe in Woodruff, Wisconsin, before finally retiring in 2002. After retirement, they became snowbirds, spending many winters in the sunshine of Okeechobee, Florida. They summered in a variety of midwestern locations before settling in Wisconsin Rapids in 2008.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, as well as his sons, Scott (1955-1991) and Todd Renshaw (1959-2009). He will be greatly missed by his wife, Sue; his daughter Celeste Sullivan and son-in-law Terry; his daughter Amy Renshaw and son-in-law Jim Neeb; and his daughter Katie Stoecker and son-in-law Steve, as well as his eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He made us laugh with his comical sayings. He taught us to have a strong work ethic, appreciate time with family, and embrace life with humor and enthusiasm. We were blessed to have him with us for so many years. The family will have a private memorial service at a later date.