James Fischer

James R. Fischer, 79, of Sheboygan, dies on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at his home, with his family at his side, following a brief illness. James was born on February 10, 1937 to Henry and Molly (Herman) Fischer. His family lived in 14 homes in Sheboygan County and Jim attended 14 Grade Schools in Sheboygan County and 2 High Schools, graduating from Central High School in 1955. James then enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Texas, Florida, and South Carolina as a Radar Reconnaissance Technician. In May of 1956 he married his High School sweetheart, Bobbie Maass. She preceded him in death on September 9, 1976. Together they had two sons, Greg and Steve Fischer.

James was an avid volleyball and racquet ball player, having played in the Air Force for 4 years. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he was player and coach for the Martin Pontiac volleyball team. They went on to win the Sheboygan City Championship 4 years straight, winning 81 straight games.

On New Years Eve 1976, Jim met Betty Webster in Chicago, Il. While dancing to Strangers in the Night, they both knew they met their soul mate. They were married 7 weeks later on February 19, 1977 in Sheboygan. Betty brought four children to the marriage; Kim, Kevin, Frank and Wendy, who blended into the Fischer family and along with Greg and Steve have blessed us with love, happiness, sixteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

James was employed at 5 different companies in Sheboygan County for 22 years. In 1981, he and his wife Betty, started their own manufacturing company, Jifram Extrusion, Inc. located in Sheboygan Falls. Betty was in charge of all office functions and Jim was in charge of all manufacturing. The company manufactures extruded plastic profiles. June 24, 2015, Jifram celebrated 34 years in business.

In 1983, Jim started developing a new manufacturing process to make a product similar to Velcro. He patented the process in 1984 and then in1985 sold his patent to the Velcro Co. and for the next 6 years assisted Velcro as an expert witness for lawsuits infringing on the product. Velcro won all lawsuits.

During Jims time with Jifram Extrusuions, Inc. he obtained a total of 20 patents which he was very proud of. Many of Jims patented products are sold on Amazon.

On September 6, 2010 Jim completed a book of his life story I Did It My Way which has been distributed to family and friends.

Jim and Betty enjoyed traveling all over the world and spending their winters at their home in Florida. One of the things Betty will miss is waking every 19th of the month to find an anniversary card next to the coffee maker. As of February 19, 2015 she has amassed 468 cards. Even if she was away, she would always find a card in her luggage.

James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Hank and Douglas Fischer, a sister Dawn Urbas, a cousin Carlos Buhk, his best friend Marv Niemuth and many other relatives and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years Betty, two daughters, Wendy (Bruce) Opitz, Kim (Tom) Carey, four sons, Steve (Claudia) Fischer, Greg (Patti) Fischer, Kevin (Special Friend Lorrie) and Frank Webster. 16 grandchildren, Elizabeth and Sara Hartmann, Zachery, Alexander, Ireland, and Grace Webster, Lindsay and Jon Fischer, Gabriela Webster, Jake, Mike, and Anthony Fischer, Derrick, Shane, Amanda, and Danny Carey, and four great-grandchildren Madeline, Nina, Samantha, and Theodore, Special nephew Danny (Brenda) Krueger.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 11:30 AM at Greenlawn Memorial Park 6706 Superior Ave. Kohler, in the Chapel of Eternal Light, with Rev. Daniel Krueger officiating. Military Honors will follow. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the CEMETERY.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Salvation Army in Jamess name.

I want to thank God for all the blessings bestowed on me. There were many ups and downs, but more ups than downs. Family and friends brought me more happiness than all the patents and successes. When you look up and see the brightest star that appears over my final resting place, that will be me smiling down on you.