James (Jim) Charles Wacholtz Jr.

James (Jim) Charles Wacholtz Jr. (48) of Rib Lake, passed away on Aug. 12, 2023 at the Aspirus-Wausau Hospital. A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 7, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church, N897 S. German Settlement Rd, Ogema, Wisconsin. Visitation to be held at 10 a.m., service to begin at 12 p.m., with a luncheon to follow.

Jim was born on April 16, 1975 in Berlin, Wisconsin Jim attended grade school in Wautoma until his family moved north to Rib Lake, where he attended high school. Through school, Jim excelled in math and participated in football, wrestling, and theater. Jim’s son, Micheal, was born in 1992 and Jim moved back to the Wautoma area for several years until settling back in the Rib Lake area in the 2010’s. Jim enjoyed operating heavy machinery and held jobs with Kelley Sand and Gravel as a roller operator and with various over the road trucking companies. Jim loved the work, but his real passions included spending time with family, hunting, and fishing. Jim was a life-long hunter and fisherman and passed these passions on to his son, granddaughter, nieces, and nephews. Jim’s good-natured humor and “picking” was a guarantee

1975-2023

any time there was a family gathering. Jim is remembered by his loved ones as a good friend, being patient and kind, and having a big heart.

In recent years Jim struggled with different health issues that limited his ability to do the things he loved. His fighting spirit helped him battle forward and overcome many obstacles in the last few months, enabling him to get back to enjoying his passions. Because Jim had battled back against his health issues, he was able to help others one last time through his passing, by being an organ donor. Jim’s decision to be an organ donor is a testament to his giving nature and it is hoped that his memory will live on in the lives he has saved.

Jim is survived by his son, Micheal (Amber) Voda; granddaughter, Jordan Voda; father, James Wacholtz Sr.; sister, Heather (Josh) Firnstahl; brother, Charles Wacholtz; nephews, Rickie Staab Jr., and Matthew Firnstahl, Zachary Wacholtz; nieces, Samantha (Branden) Jerome, and Brittney Staab; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Jim was also a godparent to Brittney Staab and Annie Lehman, a good friend’s daughter.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Susan (Borland) Wacholtz; and grandparents, Charles and June (Keller) Wacholtz and Earl and Norma (Shaw) Borland.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Paid Obituary 141196