James R. Sasada

James “Jim” Robert Sasada, age 62, of Fairwater, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026 at his home in Fairwater, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jim was born on July 26, 1963, in Ripon, Wisconsin. He was a man who lived life in a way that was steady, grounded, and deeply meaningful. He never needed much to be happy — just the people he loved, a little time outdoors, something to tinker with, and the simple comforts of home. To those who knew him best, that was Jim in a nutshell: uncomplicated in the best way, deeply loyal, quietly faithful, and full of a love that ran far deeper than words.

Jim spent much of his life working as a semi-truck driver, most recently for Michel’s Corporation in Brownsville, Wisconsin. He took pride in hard work, responsibility, and doing things the right way. He was the kind of man who showed love through presence, consistency, and the little things that often mattered most.

A devoted man of faith, Jim was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Princeton, where he served on the church council. His faith was not loud or performative — it was simply part of who he was. It shaped the way he lived, the way he loved, and the way he showed up for others. He was also a proud 25-year member of the Fairwater Lions Club, where he most recently served alongside his wife Laurie as her partner-in-service during her journey toward District Governor. He believed in showing up for his community just as faithfully as he showed up for his family.

Jim loved the kind of things that made life feel full in the most ordinary and beautiful ways. He loved John Deere, bonfires, hunting, ice fishing, history, country music — especially Charlie Robison — working on the Jeep, and a good plate of meatloaf. He loved the outdoors. He loved red. He loved laughter. But more than anything, he loved being Papa.

If you knew Jim, you knew that first impressions did not always tell the whole story. He liked to come off as tough — hard around the edges, quiet, maybe even a little unapproachable. But underneath that exterior was one of the gentlest hearts you could ever know. Once he let you in, you saw it immediately. He was sweet, funny, incredibly genuine, and had the kind of laugh that could completely take over a room once it got going. And if you got him started, there was no stopping him.

To his family, Jim was home.

He was the kind of man who made life feel safe and familiar. He made ordinary moments matter. He made people feel loved without always having to say much. He was the bonfire, the garage, the laugh in the next room, the quiet comfort of knowing someone solid was there. He was the kind of dad and papa whose presence became woven into the rhythm of everyday life — so naturally and so fully that it is almost impossible to imagine this world without him in it.

He had a close-knit group of friends who stood by him through every season of life. They were the kind of friendships built on loyalty, humor, and just genuinely caring about each other. They brought him comfort, laughter, and a sense of belonging that meant more than words can really capture. There are too many to name, but each of them held a special place in his heart—and our family is so incredibly grateful for the love and support they gave him throughout his life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Laurie Sasada; his son, Jared (Alison) Sasada; his daughter, Kailie (Adam) Nickel; and his beloved grandchildren, Brynleigh, Eisley and Evelyn, who brought him endless pride, joy, and purpose. He is also survived by his sisters, Linda Francour and Sherry (fiancé, Wade Kaiser) Simons; nephew/niece, Sage and Hannah Stellmacher; along with many extended family members, dear friends, church family, Lions Club family, and all those blessed enough to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Roberts and Robert Sasada; his stepfather, Marlo “Harp” Roberts; his parents-in-law, Karen and Jimmie “Jim” Stellmacher; his infant sister, Katherine “Kathy” Sasada; his brothers-in-laws, David “Dave” Francour and Michael “Mike” Stellmacher; as well as other extended family.

Though his family’s hearts are broken, they find peace in knowing Jim is exactly where he always believed he would one day be — home with the Lord. If he could leave one final message behind, it would be to not sit too long in sorrow. It would be to live. To laugh. To gather around the fire. To love your people well. To enjoy the simple things. To carry him forward not only in grief, but in joy.

That is how he would want to be remembered.

And if he had one last thing to say as everyone headed out, it would probably be: “Fast and reckless.”

A visitation for Jim will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr, Ripon, WI 54971, and again from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at St. John Lutheran Church, 226 S Clinton St, Princeton, WI 54968.

A memorial service for Jim will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at St. John Lutheran Church in Princeton, with Pastor Philip Schupmann officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Inurnment will take place at Fairwater Cemetery, Fairwater, WI, on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in his name.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to SSM Health Hospice team for the compassion, care, and support shown to Jim and his family during this time.