James Lee Herber, age 74, of Sheboygan, passed away from Covid-19 complications on November 3, 2020 at St. Nicholas Hospital.
He was born October 29, 1946 to the late Henry and Marcella (Wollersheim) Herber. He attended Holy Name School and was a graduate of North High school. Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving his country from 1966 to 1968. He then began his career as a letter carrier with the US Postal Service, retiring after 35 years of service.
In his retirement, he enjoyed bartending at Frankie’s Pub & Grill where he never met a stranger and where he was loved and known for his smile and carefree laughter. Jim volunteered at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice as a both a NODA (No One Dies Alone) volunteer and a WHV (We Honor Veterans) volunteer, often presenting in Veteran Pinning Ceremonies. He was also a long-time blood and plasma donor.
Jim loved reading, movies and music, biking, traveling (he was the dad who took us on long road trips so that we could see and appreciate our country), kayaking, riding his motorcycle and feeding the wildlife that visited his backyard. He was a proud grandpa, always on the sidelines. Jim’s culinary specialty was making fleischbrock. It was definitely a labor of love for him and we all looked forward to his special deliveries.
He was a shining sun around which an entire solar system of wonderful people gravitated. It was an absolute joy to be around that energy. We have all been changed for the better because of his life.
A life well lived and loved. Best. Dad. Ever.
Those Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory include his three children, Shannon (Brian) Ognacevic, Kevin (Lisa) Herber and Sara (Mike) Van Wagenen; grandchildren, Jacob, Madeline and Katherine Ognacevic, Liliana, Olivia and Harper Herber, Erin and Hannah Van Wagenen and his best friend, Deb Thorwaldson. He is further survived by his brothers; Ken, Wayne (Linda), Dave (Sonia) and Terry, many nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to count. James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Richard Herber, and a sister-in-law, Margene Herber.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the ICU staff at St. Nicholas Hospital for all the care and compassion given to Jim. A private memorial service for Jim will be held with his immediate family. Jim will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
A celebration of Jim’s beautiful life will be held at a later date.
The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed www.reinboldfh.com
I am a Fort Wayne, Indiana Herber. My sincere condolences to Jim's family. By chance, switching channels, I saw Jim Herber mentioned on PBS News Hour in his red shirt with Herber on the front. I wonder if his ancestry comes from Ulmbach, Germany like mine? My parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church Hessen Cassel, Fort Wayne, Indiana is full of Herbers.
Leonard Herber
Michael J Hoon
November 21, 2020
I learned of Jim's death last night watching PBS NewsHour. I went to school with Jim at Holy Name and North High. He was a really nice guy and I am sorry that he was taken from his family by COVID.
Kaffine family
November 21, 2020
Our sympathy to all the Herber family. We hope many happy memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Keeping you in our prayers. Mike & Sara, Zack, Sam and Alex
Patty Zettle
November 20, 2020
I heard the story of Jim Herber today on NPR as I was delivering the mail in rural Pittsburg, Illinois. My sincere condolence to the family of Jim, a fellow postal worker. On November 12th , I just lost a friend from covid-19 as well. May God be with all the families that have lost their loved ones due to this pandemic. Jesus said, Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust in me. John 14:1. May God bless your family
Brian Henriksen
November 20, 2020
Kevin and the entire Herber family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim seemed like a wonderful father and grandfather. My thoughts are with all of you in this difficult time.
Michael Franzen
November 16, 2020
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Jim was a friend of mine. We had many moments together at Frankie's pub. He was also a regular of mine at Angler's Avenue Pub. I will truly miss you Jim RIP
Sara Brinkman
November 11, 2020
I knew Jim many moons ago when we played volleyball together. He was a gracious winner and a patient teammate to those less gifted (me). My thoughts and prayers.
Rubén A. Caballero
November 9, 2020
Michael Gruenwald
November 9, 2020
My Deepest Sympathy to your whole family Jim was a great guy and will truly be missed
Thomas J Burke
November 9, 2020
For the Jim Herber family: Sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy. From longtime ago neighbors, Michelle, Thomas, and Jackie Burke
Rebecca Markevitch
November 9, 2020
I am so sorry to her of Jim’s passing. What a great guy who always had patience and kindness for us kids, regardless of what we were getting into. He is definitely a part of many happy memories. My heart is with you all!!!
Rebecca
Dr Janet Bieschke
November 8, 2020
I am sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was always cheerful and found ways to stay positively engaged with his community. I offer my condolences to his family.
gary ellinger
November 8, 2020
You will always be remembered by me. We were both drafted in the Army at the same time and spent time in Germany. together. Best friend a guy could have.
Patrick A. Weber
November 8, 2020
I knew him only as Herbie.............played basketball against him in the bar league.......great guy..........friend to everyone.......my sympathies to his family...........he will be missed..........PW
Sue Strysick
November 8, 2020
Sara, Shannon and Kevin, So sorry for the loss of your father. Cherish those wonderful memories and I pray for God’s comfort and peace for your entire family.
Ed Stalter
November 8, 2020
I'm truly saddened to learn of Jim's passing and my condolences to the entire Herber family. Having known Jim for some 60 some years I'll truly miss our occasional crossing of paths and his contagious smile and positive personality.
R.I.P. my friend.
Mark S.Winkel
November 8, 2020
I was very sorry to learn of Jim's passing.He was a great guy.He was a true gentleman in every sense.
Mike Liebelt
November 8, 2020
A loss to many people. Volunteering with Jim at SSRHC for the "Pinning Ceremonies" was always appreciated. A great guy!
Rusty Joni kaiser
November 8, 2020
my sympathy
Jim Weber
November 8, 2020
I graduated with Jim from Sheboygan North in ‘65. He was always smiling whenever our paths crossed. He is now in God’s loving arms enjoying eternity.....God give his family strength and comfort during their time of grieving.......God bless....
DAVID J ERTEL
November 8, 2020
I knew him from 6th grade when I moved next door wonderful family and Jimmy was always my friend a great smile just a hoot loved him much Dave ertel
Carol Van Haveren
November 6, 2020
I feel very blessed to have had Jim as a friend and part of my life. My sympathy to all of the family.
STEVEN J REINEKING
November 6, 2020
My sincere condolences to all. Live a few houses from Jim. Knew him well super nice guy. Few years back Jim borrowed me his motorcycle trailer to pick up my new Harley. Already miss him riding by daily on his bike or motorcycle. Truly a great guy to know.
Sincerely, Steve & Kathy
Sandi Ruggles
November 6, 2020
Shannon, Kevin, and Sara- I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You and your families are all in my thoughts.
Buzz Butzen
November 6, 2020
So sorry to read about your Father. My condolences to you and your family. buzz
Nancy A Krueger
November 6, 2020
Shannon and all family,your dad was so sweet. I stood up with him at a wedding many years ago. I am so so for your loss. I know you all will miss him dearly.
Randy a Mueller
November 6, 2020
Jim, it was a great pleasure to have known you.
A very good man.
You will be missed.
LuAnn Goetsch
November 6, 2020
So sorry for your loss. It sure sounds like he was a great guy.
Bruce Mickelson
November 6, 2020
We met when we were fifteen years old and were best friends from then on.. In all those years we never had a argument or fought. The closest thing to an argument was when we were out drinking and couldn't decide to have one more, go home or to another bar, going home very seldom won. The entire Herber family is as friendly and generous as he was and I considered them to be my second family. To say I will miss you is an understatement, to be forgotten, no way in hell.
Robert Derus
November 6, 2020
Jim you were a friend who will always be remembered for your smile. You will be missed and never be forgotten.
Jennifer Hocking Reynolds
November 6, 2020
My thoughts and prayers to the Herber Family.
Corinne Resch
November 5, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was always a smiling face and caring person. I loved his stories! I am thankful to have sampled his fleischbrock! My heart goes out to his family. I hope to make it back his celebration of life when it happens. Sending hugs Colorado.
Connie and Andy Resch
Cory DeBraal
November 5, 2020
Most sincere condolences from the DeBraal family. Are thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kerri Ast
November 5, 2020
My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Sara and the entire family. He was clearly an amazing man - made evident in the amazing people he raised. God’s peace to all.
Brenda (Bersch) Ulmen
November 5, 2020
Pam & Tom Pollock
November 5, 2020
Jim will be missed by many.
Roger Paske
November 5, 2020
So sorry to hear that Jim has passed away. We met in our high school years while both working at S & B Discount Store. He was a great friend. Rest in Peace, Jim.
Lynn Wiech
November 5, 2020
I was so sorry to hear from Lisa that Jimmy passed. I have been a friend for many years to Kenny and his kids. Remember him from the get togethers at Kenny and Margene's house. Covid has touched a lot of families and sorry that it attacked you also
Patrick M. Ziegenhorn
November 5, 2020
I was saddened immensely when I heard of Jim’s passing! His smile lit up a room. He helped us at Zieggy’s for years and I did not know anyone who did not like him. I am so thankful that I had the great gift of knowing this man. Rest In Peace, Jim.
Arnie & Judy Novak
November 5, 2020
We knew Jim through his brother Terry. Always a fun loving guy. Loved his laughter and great to be around. This guy will truly be missed. I'm sure he is having that bourbon and coke right now. Cheers to you.
Michael Klein
November 5, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to all his family.
Mike and Gloria Klein
