On July 12, 2016, God opened His gates to heaven for James P. Schoemer to walk with him in peace and tranquility, a man with integrity, courage, respect for life, and the biggest heart for all who entered his life. Jim loved the outdoors, actively canoeing, going rustic camping, biking, spending time with his dogs, and enjoying God's creatures wherever he went. He loved music and playing the guitar and had an incredible memory for music trivia. Jim loved to cook and grill making wonderful meals for time with family and friends creating lifetime memories. Jim loved spending time by the campfire, marveling at the twinkle of the stars and the glow from the full moon that reached down from the heavens making night feel like day. He was fascinated by clouds and could see animals and objects in them as they moved about reshaping into another form. He never turned down an opportunity to participate in a good cribbage game and always had his cribbage board available for the challenge. But, most important to Jim, however, was spending time with his family and friends making memories and celebrating life.

Jim is a graduate of UW Madison. Starting in radio sales in Watertown, Jim's creative mind quickly got him working as a graphic designer for Lakeshore Technical College and then for Hunter Business Direct (Milwaukee) as a writer and designer. His talent for writing gave him opportunity to become his own boss of JPSchoemer Communications as a marketing communications writer. Jim also worked for Manitowoc Cranes as a technical designer developing training presentations. Jim's writing skills and creative mind remain highly respected in the marketing community.

Jim leaves behind his soul mate: Joan Kersten, Manitowoc; daughter: Dana (Bill) Tait and their daughter, Braison Tait, Madison; son: Greg (Emily) Schoemer, Sheboygan; three brothers: Richard Schoemer and his fiancé Lori Pelski, Madison; Larry (Julie) Schoemer, Oostburg; and Bill (Lynne) Schoemer, Waldo; Joan's two sons who respectfully referred to Jim as "Shim": Jason and Joseph Kersten, both of Manitowoc; also other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents: John and Joan Schoemer of Sheboygan.

Jim is also loved deeply and will be missed by Joan's family including her parents Ralph and Betty Trefz, Manitowoc; sisters: Kathy (Chuck) Behnke, and their son Brandon, Manitowoc; and Barbara (Ted Loken) Lefky, Maple Plains, MN.

A Life Celebration Social will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. It will be an opportunity to celebrate Jim's life, to give thanks to him, and to take time reflecting on our memories with Jim. Take time to recall Jim's admired sense of humor, his beautiful laughter, his determination to try different things, and his love and respect for God's gifts. Jim will be missed by all those whose lives he touched, but the love he shared with all of us will never be gone.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.

We would like to thank our family, including Razcal, Izabella, Mya, and Dixie; all of our friends, all God's creatures, and every health care provider who supported Jim and Joan through their journey. In honor of Jim, the family asks for donations to ASPCA are given in lieu of flowers at https://secure.aspca.org/team/jim-s-memorial-campaign

God took you from us so that you can take better care of us from heaven.

We love you forever and always…