James "Jim" Seehaver, 80, of Colfax, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born on March 13, 1945, in Bloomer, Wisconsin, to Walter and Fern (Jones) Seehaver.

Jim grew up in a family of five children, learning early the values of resilience and hard work. After his father passed away in 1955, when Jim was just 10 years old, his mother raised the children on her own. Like many boys close in age, Jim and his younger brother Jack had their share of mischief - including the occasional BB gun battle and daring feats in the haymow. Jack recalls a favorite childhood memory when Jim confidently leapt from a high beam in the barn, aiming for a small pile of hay below. He missed the mark and broke his leg - but he never lost his willingness to take a risk.

That same determination carried into adulthood.

In high school, Jim met the love of his life, Dianne Oleson. They were married on September 25, 1965, in Colfax and went on to raise four sons together, building a life rooted in family and hard work.

Jim believed deeply in earning his way. He began his career working in refrigeration for Benedicts in Eau Claire while attending school at night to expand his skills. A gifted electrician and refrigeration specialist, he went on to install pipeline milking systems for farmers throughout Dunn County. For a time, he ventured to Colorado to work in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning, but Wisconsin-and home-ultimately called him back.

Outside of work, Jim loved the outdoors and the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening, and felt most at home outside. While Dianne may have been the storyteller and game player, Jim was steady, dependable, and quietly devoted, taking care of his neighbors. He was a father and grandfather who loved his family deeply and walked alongside them through life's challenges. In the years after Dianne's passing in 2023, her absence was deeply felt.

Jim will be remembered as hardworking and deeply loyal to those he loved. In the end, his brother Jack summed him up simply: "He was a great guy."

Jim was preceded in death by: his parents, Walter and Ferne; his brother, Donald, his sister, Donna Mae, brothers-in-law, Charles Barstad and Charles Freeberg; and his beloved wife, Dianne.

He is survived by: his sons, Richard "Rich," Scott, Travis (Angélakay), and Ryan (Joy); his sister, Betty Lou; his brother, Jack (Barb); his sister-in- law, Marge, grandchildren, Jacob, Kylie, Kourtney (Jared), Caleb (Kayla), Lewis, Seth, Skylar, Bowen, Aftyn, Naév, Rozelle, and great grandson, Waylon, and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

A service celebrating Jim's life will be held at Sampson Funeral Home in Colfax, WI, at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 28, 2026. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left for Jim's family at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of memorials or flowers, please share your garden vegetables with neighbors, family, and friends.