James Roger Shea, 88, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, at The Springs in Wilsonville, Ore., where he lived for the last few years.
Jim was born in Tomahawk on March 22, 1935 to Dan and Bernice Shea. He graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1953 and went on to Michigan Tech, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. Jim married Lilli Klus in 1961. In 1972 he earned a Professional Development degree from the University of Wisconsin. He worked in the pulp and paper industry in several states, including Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, Ohio and Michigan.
Jim served in the military for eight years. During college he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves and, after graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.
Jim was a quiet, thoughtful man, someone you could always count on. He volunteered in his community and helped those who were down on their luck. He loved spending time in nature…hunting, fishing, planting trees and taking care of the land. In 1998 he and his wife Lilli built Sheady Pines, a bed and breakfast in Marinette, Wis.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Lilli (nee Klus), his son, John Shea, his grandson, Alex Shea and his brother, Dan Shea. He is survived by his son, James Shea Jr. and wife Tia, his daughter, Mary Ellen Musto and husband Henry Musto; seven grandchildren: James Shea III, Elizabeth Shea, Alissa and husband Thomas Talbot, Hannah Sarradet, Hailey Sarradet, Lilli Musto, and Samuel Musto; a great-grandson, James Shea IV; his sister Pat Hulce; and three sister-in-laws, Mary and husband Jim Nelson, Kathy and husband Paul Millan and Geri Klus.
There is no service scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to WWOA (Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association), PO Box 285, Stevens Point, Wis., 54481.