James “Jim” E. Rades, 71, of Shawano, passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2016. He was born on Sept. 30, 1944, in Shawano to the late Elmer and Beatrice “Bea” (Wilt) Rades.
Jim attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Shawano High School, graduating in 1962. On June 10, 1967, he married his childhood sweetheart, Pamela “Pam” Fazendin, in Shawano. In 1968, Jim became the first member of his family to earn a bachelor’s degree, graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point studying economics and social work. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned to the 379th Bomb Wing. He completed his military service by assisting colleagues as they transitioned home from Vietnam and earned his honorable discharge in 1971.
Jim was a respectful son, a caring brother, a loving husband, a devoted father, a fun-loving grandpa and a dedicated member of the Shawano community. In 1971, he joined the Shawano County Department of Human Services, eventually becoming the county juvenile court supervisor. Always concerned and passionate about the well-being of all children, he helped create, develop and grow many programs in Shawano County, including Positive Youth Development and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He was also a leader for the United Way for many years.
Jim loved baseball and softball. He grew up cheering for the Milwaukee Braves as they won the World Series. He was excited seeing baseball come back with the Brewers, planned regular trips each summer to see a homestand at County Stadium, and celebrated the inaugural season (and several others) of Miller Park. He played the “hot corner,” third base, and had a great glove and a reliable bat.
After an unlucky turn with his health, Jim received the “gift of life” in 1992 with a much-needed heart transplant from a gracious and giving donor family and the amazing surgeons and staff at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. This gave him the opportunity to continue to give more to his Shawano community by volunteering at the Shawano Medical Center and serving on the Hospital Board of Ethics.
After retiring, Jim dedicated himself to becoming “Mr. Mom,” supporting Pam at home while she continued her career. His pride and joy was his family. His love for them and for the goodness in life was contagious, and he was always ready to share the “bright side” of a story to put a smile on anyone’s face. Their happiness was his, and he will be remembered for his endless love of people.
Jim will be sadly missed by Pam, his wife of nearly 49 years; his son, Paul (Laurie) Rades, of Sussex; his daughter, Sarah (Brian) Gunning, of Wausau; his grandchildren, Elise Ella, Eli, Ren and Tessa; sister, Diane Wisner; brothers-in-law, Jack Fazendin and Mike Fazendin; sisters-in-law, Pat Waschbisch, Sally Lemke and Coni (Tom) Pearson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Betty; his sister, Jeanne Kastner; brothers-in-law, Duane Lemke, Norbert Waschbisch and Robert Kastner; and sister-in-law, Mary Fazendin.
A Memorial Service for Jim will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. at Mickelson Funeral Service. Relatives and friends may call from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016, with full military honors conducted by Shawano American Legion Post 117.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests donations be made in memory of Jim to either Donate Life America (https://donatelife.net, generating organ donor awareness) or the American Transplant Foundation (http://www.americantransplantfoundation.org, helping families overcome the financial hardships associated with a transplant).
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.