James "Jim" Vosters

James “Jim” Vosters, 71, left us while surrounded by his family and good friend Father Dave Pleier on December 3rd, after enduring a long and exhausting journey with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). 

Jim was born on January 26,1954 to Ernie and Jen Vosters in Appleton. Jim graduated from Kimberly High School in 1972. After high school, Jim worked at Combined Locks Paper Mill for 43 years. 

At age 16, he met Betsy, his wife of 51 years. Together they had three children, seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his kids and grandkids, always making them laugh with his goofy antics, and constantly teaching them life lessons. 

One of his greatest sources of pride was the cottage he and Betsy bought on Archibald Lake. ‘Jimmybigfish’ enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends at the lake, where he slayed many musky and enough pan fish to feed everyone.

After retiring, Jim and Betsy made Mount Dora, Florida their winter home. They enjoyed spending time with cousins Nancy and Art Dellenger and their great group of friends and neighbors. He looked forward to his yearly musky fishing trips with his brother Bob and pals Steve and Dean. He also enjoyed annual Badger basketball and hockey games with Paul, Dick, and Tom. 

The family would like to thank Calista and the staff at Azura, Kristy and The Memory Project, and extend their heartfelt gratitude to Brewster Village and their incredible, caring staff. Especially Tess, who offered immeasurable support and kept us fed and hydrated. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Betsy, children Nate (Courtney) Vosters, Tyler (Alissa) Vosters, Tasha (Eric) Valentyn, grandchildren Cayden, Callie, Olivia, Ryder, Jimmie, Ben (Mia), Sam, great-granddaughter Olive, and his Mississippi daughter Tawanda (Bunney) Forrest-Glover. Further survived by his siblings Bob (Deb) Vosters, Don (Rita) Vosters, Sue (Brian) Van Vreede, Lorie (Mike) Timm, John Vosters and Rose Vosters as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, DuWayne and Dorothy Mears. 

Saturday, December 13th will be spent celebrating Jim’s life with a visitation, prayer service and casual gathering. Visitation will be 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. followed by a prayer service at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 North Richmond Street. Celebration of life and food will be at Pullmans at 1:00 p.m.  Please join us for either or both as we honor and remember him. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

Casual dress only. Feel free to wear your Packers or Badgers gear, or a Menards shirt!  Please, absolutely no flowers. The family will be making a donation to the Memory Project in honor of Jim.