James Early

James C. Early "Jim"

James C. Early, fantastic husband, wonderful father, dear brother and brother-in-law, loyal colleague, and devoted friend went home to our Lord on Thursday, September 20th, surrounded by his family. Jim prayed for one final summer at his lake home and the Lord heard his prayer.

He was born at the Ohio State University Hospital on June 13, 1949 to the late Dr. David and Helen Early. The family moved to Crivitz in 1951 where Jim spent his formative years. Jim attended Crivitz High School, graduating in 1967. He was very athletic and excelled in all sports. Jim attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 1971 with a degree in education. He married Renée Feivor, his soul mate and best friend, on January 1, 1972 at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano, Wisconsin. Jim's father-in-law, the late Frank Feivor, encouraged Jim to consider a career as a sales representative with American Family Insurance and so began Jim's long and productive legacy as a top agent in the company. Jim was far more than a sales agent to his clients. Many sought his wise counsel, appreciated his listening ear and gained strength from his emotional support. In addition, Jim's fellow agents learned much from him because of his integrity and devotion to his clients. He never cut corners and did his job the right way. Jim retired this past June after more than 40 years with American Family.

Jim created many great family memories up north at their Washington lake home in Shawano. Up there, he found much joy in reading, boating, skiing, sailing, and fishing in the channel. He also enjoyed towing his children, friend's children, and nieces and nephews tubing and skiing around the lake. And when out on the pontoon boat, Jim loved searching for eagles. In the years since his cancer diagnosis, the cottage on Washington Lake was a welcome oasis for Jim; a place where he and Renée could simply be together.

As an expert wood craftsman, Jim's fingerprints are literally all over the cottage he built, as not once, not twice, but three times he designed and custom built the kitchen cabinets. Jim loved to spend time in his workshop, building many beautiful pieces of furniture over the years. And now, Jesus has a gifted carpenter to build with Him in heaven.

Jim was a wonderful dad to Melissa, Michael (Jennifer) and Andrew and husband to Renée. Jim's fondest memory shared with Melissa was running together across the Golden Gate Bridge in the San Francisco half marathon. Jim relished his time spent with Mike working out together every morning and playing basketball together every Friday. And Jim enjoyed coaching Andy's tournament basketball teams over the years.

For Jim, family was not just something to give lip service to. Not only was he always there for Renée and their children, Jim chose to help and respond to the needs of others whenever and wherever it was required. If a mentor was needed, Jim was there. If a friend was needed, Jim was there. If patience was needed, Jim was there. He was a man of strong faith, serving Menasha's Trinity Lutheran Church and School in many roles over the years. He humbly walked with God and showed his love for the Lord through his compassionate and understanding heart, his non-judgmental and positive attitude and his willingness to forgive.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of 40 years, Renée, his three children and daughter-in-law. He also is survived by two brothers, Scott (Julie) and William as well as Renée's six brothers and sisters and their spouses (who consider him their brother), many nieces and nephews and his mother-in-law, Myrtle Feivor. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother David and father-in-law.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 27, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 Broad Street, Menasha, with the Rev. Steven S. Billings officiating. Interment will be in Lake Drive Cemetery, Shawano. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Kessler Funeral Home, 304 S. Commercial Street, Neenah, and from 9:30 A.M. Thursday at the church until the time of the service. Jim's wishes were for contributions to the Action to Cure Kidney Cancer (www.ackc.org) instead of flowers.

The Early family wishes to thank: Dr. Ruth Warren, Ruth Bloesl RN, FNP-C, the staff at Green Bay Oncology, Heartland Hospice, Rev. Steven Billings and the many friends who have helped and supported us over the past 3 ½ years.

Jim was a master at living. He paid attention to the details in every aspect of his life. He recognized the importance of family relationships and worked to cultivate them. He valued a high level of physical fitness and knew the importance of staying in shape. He was focused and committed 1000% to his professional goals and as a result, served well the needs of his clients. Jim was able to see the big picture at home, at work, in the church and in his community. And in spite of the adversity and struggle this illness brought, Jim never complained, lost his sense of humor or his faith in God. He fought valiantly and when the time was right, Jim had the wisdom and courage to accept what was to come. He knew God answered his prayer and was ready to go with Him to his eternal home on the last day of summer. He is our hero. We will miss him and will love him always ""Well done, my good and faithful servant…Come, share your master's joy."" –Mt. 25:21