James “Jim” Alton Shaver, age 75, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2016 at his residence. Jim was born on November 4, 1940 to the late Alton and Mabel (Gauthier) Shaver in Rhinelander, WI. On October 27, 1967, Jim married Sharon Kay Piasecki in Eagle River, WI. She survives.
Jim was a machine operator at many local wood factories including Anson & Gilkey for 14 years, Woodworking Corporation of America for 12 years and most recently Graap & Weber from where he retired.
Jim and Sharon enjoyed traveling together as well as spending time with family. Jim’s special interest and hobbies included spending time in the outdoors whether it was hunting or fishing, stock car racing at area tracks, restoring old cars, woodworking in his garage, camping and bowling. Jim was an active fisherman and enjoyed spending time in his boat with his wife or grandson. His grandchildren meant the world to him and he made a point to make all their activities.
Jim was a very strong-willed person, but had enough humor and wit to put a smile on other’s faces. He will be sadly missed but not forgotten.
Jim is survived by his wife: Sharon Shaver of Merrill, daughters: Julie Kramer of Wonder Lake, IL and Lori (Gerald) Garber of Wausau, sisters: Donna Alsteen of Rhinelander and Eunice Beatty of Rhinelander, brothers: Gerald (Josie) Shaver of Rhinelander, Charles Shaver of Gleason and Francis (Donna) Shaver of Rhinelander, grandchildren: Angela (Matt) Henline, Katie Kramer, Amy Kramer, Cole Garber and Liberty Garber, great grandchildren: Lilly Henline and James Henline, half-brother: Boyd Breivogel of Minocqua and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents: Alton Shaver and Mabel Raasch, brothers: Burdette Shaver, Alton Shaver Jr. and Jack Shaver, sister: Mary Shaver and son-in-law: David Kramer.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for their attentiveness and care while Jim received a double lung transplant in 2005. Without this gift of life, Jim would have missed out on meeting his two great-grandchildren and other special memories with family.
A memorial liturgy for Jim will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 12 noon at Waid Funeral Home. Deacon Jim Arndt will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11 am until the time of the liturgy, also at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.
Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.