James "Jim" M. Mares

James "Jim" Mares– age 73 of the Town of Belle Plaine, Shawano County, was unexpectedly called home by our Lord to his eternal rest on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

Jim was born on July 27, 1950 in New London, WI to Bernard and Leona (Stypa) Mares. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School, Bear Creek High School and was the last class to graduate from the Bear Creek High School in 1969. He was baptized, received his First Holy Communion, confirmed and married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, marrying his high school sweetheart, Susan (Norder) Mares on August 12, 1972. Jim grew up on the family farm milking cows and helping with the field work. After Jim and Sue were married they began farming on their own dairy farm in Bear Creek and proceeded to cash crop, with his passion and favorite crop being market cabbage. He was employed with Amcor, formally Curwood for 32 years, retiring in July 2021. He will always be remembered for his strong work ethic. He had a true passion for farming, which eventually became his hobby after retirement. Jim could often be found at his family farm, which he visited daily far beyond his retirement. He was also an avid sports fan watching the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers. Jim had a special way of touching the lives of those he encountered, whether through relationships with hired hands or through conversations at Fleet Farm with neighbors, friends or anyone he would come in contact with. He was faithfully devoted to his family, with his pride and joy being his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them play at the lake, while instilling his love of farming and life values unto them. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sue, his cherished children of which he thought the world of: Jason Mares, Ryan (Katie) Mares, Kristyn (Damian) Sanderson, Lindsey (Aaron) Schmandt, his grandchildren and joys of his life, Nyles and Brynnlei Schmandt, Callen, Henry and Hattie Sanderson and Veda Mares. He is further survived by his siblings: Gerard (Ann) Mares, Carmie (Rodger) Kuhnke, Marie (Jim) Armstrong, John (Kathy) Mares, Terry Mares and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Norbert & Eileen Norder, a sister, Rojene Kramer, brother-in-law, Steve Norder, nephews Aaron Mares, Michael Kramer & William Kramer, a niece Maureen Abrahamson, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Jim was a man of strong faith and always stated, “ You can’t farm without God in your life.” He was a charter member of the Bear Creek Lions Club and their first president 51 years ago.
Jim will be missed for his guidance, love and support and though he is not with us on this earth, we know his spirit and wisdom will continue to touch our lives forever more. 

Friends may call at Eberhardt & Stevenson Funeral Home (south location: 299 S. Main Street) in Clintonville from 4:00 until 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 31 and again on Friday morning, Sept. 1 from 9:30 AM until the time of his service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bear Creek. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 AM with Fr. Tim Shillcox O. Praem officiating. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established by Jim’s family.
The family would like to thank Shawano County First Responders and EMTs, ThedaCare doctors, nurses and staff. A special thank you to Shelby with Theda Care ER and neighbor, Emma for the care and compassion shown to our family.

In Loving Memory Our Dad…
He never looked for praise. He was never one to boast. 
He just went on quietly working for the ones he loved the most. 
His dreams were seldom spoken. His wants were very few. 
And most of the time his worries went unspoken too. 
He was there. A firm foundation. 
Through all the storms of life. A sturdy hand to hold onto in times of stress and strife. 
A true friend we could turn to when times were good or bad.
One of our greatest blessing the man we called Dad.