James A. "Jim" Schlewitz, 83, of Eau Claire, passed away early on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Dove Health Care West, from stroke-related complications with his family by his side. Jim was born on September 29, 1932 in Eau Claire to Arthur and Mabel (Larson) Schlewitz. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School (Class of '50), where he was selected to attend Badger Boys State in 1949. He then attended UW-Eau Claire. On December 28, 1957, he married Patricia (Pat) A. Thompson (daughter of Harold and Abigail Thompson) at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. Jim was a lifelong resident of Eau Claire, growing up in the 9th Ward. An avid sports enthusiast, sports were his favorite pastime, whether as a participant, coach or fan. Jim played high school basketball and baseball, American Legion baseball, semi-pro baseball (signing a professional contract with the St. Louis Browns in 1952) and fast pitch softball. He was elected to the Eau Claire Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010. Bowling was one of his favorite personal sports, bowling in a league for years with his father, brother and numerous friends. He enjoyed dancing, golf, fishing, playing cribbage, time at the lake with friends, the camaraderie of his smear-playing buddies and an occasional adult beverage. Jim was a staunch North High Husky fan and a dedicated Badgers, Braves/ Brewers, and Packers fan; he watched or listened to virtually every game. Jim entered the U.S. Army in 1953 during the Korean War, serving two years at Fort Lewis, WA. He worked as a salesman in the meat and institutional food industry with Peters Meats, Aslesen, Food Services of America and Indianhead Food Service until his retirement. Jim was blessed with a family he treasured and was very involved in the activities of his children and grandchildren. Jim enjoyed the company and time spent with friends. His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts and many memories that will not be forgotten. Jim is survived by his wife and their two children, son Daniel (Deann Wagner) of Chippewa Falls and daughter Debra (Tom) Hanson of Eau Claire; four beloved grandchildren, Daniel Hanson of Eleva, Alexa and Elizabeth Schlewitz of Los Angeles, CA, and Rebecca Hanson of Sparta; several nieces, nephews, in-laws and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Ronald and brother-in-law, Earl (Chris) Christenson. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave, in Eau Claire. A private funeral service for family members will precede the visitation. Interment at a later date will be held at the Lutheran Church Cemetery in Eau Claire. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Feed My People (2610 Alpine Rd., Eau Claire, WI 54703) or Warm the Children (701 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire, WI 54701).

Service Information

Cemetery

Lutheran Church Cemetery 1700 Omaha Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Tuesday, February 16 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703