Service Details
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday, April 10th at St. Lucy’s Parish, 3101 Drexel Avenue, at 11am. A visitation hour will be held prior to the memorial service between 10-11am.
James “Jim” Shea, aged 92, passed away at his home in Mount Pleasant, WI, surrounded by family. Jim was born in Eau Claire, WI. He served in the United States Army. After his service, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He went on to earn his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jim was the first professor hired at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and taught in the geology department for more than thirty years. He was particularly proud of his service to the geology field in editing The Journal of Geological Education. A talented educator, the National Association of Geoscience Teachers created an award named after him and honored him as the first recipient (see photos). Jim was a voracious reader and shared his love of reading with his family. Jim loved scientific discovery, and he continued to learn and explore his entire life. Jim also enjoyed woodworking, creating pieces of furniture that his family will treasure for years to come. Jim loved to travel, exploring new places with his best friend and wife, JoAnn. Above all, Jim cherished time spent with his family. He had a deep love and respect for his parents, as well as his brothers and sisters. Jim truly treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife JoAnn to whom he was married for 65 years. Together they raised two children: Joseph Shea (Michelle) and Jill Schmitt (Bryan). Jim adored his six grandchildren: Elizabeth Seigel (Benjamin), Samuel Schmitt, Joseph Schmitt, Angela Schmitt, Megan Lamberton (Charles), and Kaitlin Behrend (Max). He was fortunate to have one great-grandson, his namesake Leo James Lamberton (parents Megan and Charles). Jim is also survived by nine brothers and sisters: Patricia Farber, Mary Baskfield, Judy McGrath, Michael Shea, David Shea, Richard Shea, Carole Sleight, Daniel Shea, and Julie Selz, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Gerry and Bud, his sister, Kathleen Coons, and his brother, Tom Shea.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday, April 10th at St. Lucy’s Parish, 3101 Drexel Avenue, at 11am. A visitation hour will be held prior to the memorial service between 10-11am.
Stephanie Auer says
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time, JoAnn. I was lucky enough to have met such a great man. … May his memory live on … Sending love and healing
sherry carrion says
What a wonderful life he lived. The Lord has blessed him and his family.
Sharon & Dick says
RIP Jim, remembering all the fun times the Shea clan had in Eau Claire & several trips out of state💕🙏
Marcia Hupp says
So sorry for your loss of Jim. He was loved by many. He was appreciated by many and will be remembered for his many accomplishments.
Roby & Farida says
Dear JoAnn, So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He was something of a permanent fixture in our neighborhood, wasn’t he? Farida and I will sorely miss him. Unfortunately we are out of town and won’t be there for the memorial service. We wish you and the family strength during this difficult time.
Roby & Farida
Carol Lee Saffioti-Hughes says
Jim was an asset to the faculty , loved and respected by his students. A kindly man with a twinkle in his eye when he laughed it was an honor to
Serve with him at Parkside.
Carol Lee Saffioti-Hughes.
John & Beverly Hanawalt says
To JoAnn and family
We had the honor to be both students of and friends with Jim. We’ve been a part of Parkside Geology since the early 70’s. There has been many a field trip and lots of teaching between us. So sorry to hear of his passing.
John and Beverly Hanawalt
John Skalbeck says
Dr. Shea was a great mentor for me. Although we did not serve at UW-Parkside at the same time his presence around campus following retirement was always welcome and impactful. One noted event was a guest lecture he gave on hydraulic fracking. I learned so much from that presentations.
Rest in peace Jim
Mike and Laurie Walsh says
Dear Joanne, please accept our deepest sympathy. Jim was an impressive man. I hope it’s of comfort knowing how much he accomplished. We are out of town or would have attended his memorial.