Alfred “Jim” James Fox, 78, of Merrill, Wisconsin passed away Monday, January 22, 2024, at Pine Crest Nursing Home with his loving wife and family by his side after a long and courageous battle with myelodysplastic syndrome. He was born June 3, 1945, to Thomas “Ned” and Martha (Wangen) Fox. On July 19, 1969, he married Linda Fleischman. They recently celebrated 54 years of marriage.
Jim was a pillar of support for his family. His children fondly remember waiting impatiently for him to return from work each afternoon. Nobody was happy until daddy was home! A hardworking man, Jim worked at Northern Door in Merrill for over 26 years and spent another 20 years at Hurd Millwork, also in Merrill. He retired in 2009. His evenings and weekends were spent playing games in the yard with his children, attending their sporting events and encouraging them to help with whatever project he was working on. His children learned so much from him. His patience and kindness made him a natural teacher. Jim also enjoyed gardening, raising horses and tooling around on his John Deere tractor. If anyone needed a helping hand, Jim was always there with tools in hand.
His love for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew no bounds. Jim and his wife, Linda shared a bond that withstood the tests of time, a love story that served as an example to all. His children and grandchildren were the joy of his life, and he took great pride in witnessing their accomplishments and milestones. In recent years Jim enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren in any sporting event, dance recital or racing event that they were participating in.
Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Fox. His mother-in-law Iona Fleischman. His daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Dave Teeples and their children, Dylan (Jayden), Katlyn and Wesley Teeples. His daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Jason Jablonski and their children, Mya and Ryan Jablonski. His son, Corey Fox. Jim is further survived by his grandchildren, Brandon, Ashley, Shealynn and Chloe and great-grandchildren, Alden, Liam, James, Sophia, Eliza, Louie and Olivia. Also surviving are Jim’s sister Martha “Pat” (Walter) Bahlow, his brothers David (Marlene) Fox, Royal (Geraldine) Fox, and Dennis (Earleen) Fox. His brothers-in-law, Earl Dallman and Floyd Fleischman, Jr. Sisters-in-law, Marion Fox, Judy Damp and Cindy Fleischman. Jim is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately refer to him as “Uncle Jimmy.”
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas “Ned” and Martha (Wangen) Fox, his father-in-law, Floyd Fleischman Sr. His sisters, Edna (William) Dye, Carol (Carlos) Hass and Andrea “DeeDee” Dallman. His brothers Eugene (Lucille) Fox and Ned Fox. Brother-in-law Robert Fleischman and sister-in-law Geraldine Fleischman. Nephews Jesse Fleischman and Scott Dallman. Niece Carmen Plautz.
A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Friday, January 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill, Wisconsin. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. A luncheon will follow the service.
Jim was a wonderful man who lived a beautiful life. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and those who knew him. His family would like to thank the amazing staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home for the excellent care and kindness. They were truly amazing! We would also like to thank Tim and John from Interim Health Care for their care and support. Thank you also to Dr. Onitilo and his amazing staff, along with the wonderful staff members at Aspirus Merrill Hospital Day Surgery for their caring and kindness.
Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com