James "Jim" Brockman

James E. “Jim” Brockman, age 77, of Freedom, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 29, 2021 surrounded by his family. Through his courageous battle with cancer, his faith and love for family and community remained his top priority.

Jim was born July 21, 1943 to Reginald and Eunice (Dorn) Brockman. He was the third oldest in his family of fifteen siblings. Jim attended St. Edwards Catholic School in Mackville. With such a large family, the pursuit of competition led to his passion for sports. In high school, Jim competed in football, basketball, track and baseball. He graduated from Freedom High School in 1962. Following high school, Jim served in the National Guard and later married the love of his life, Marlene (Spierings) Brockman, on October 24, 1964. Jim and Marlene purchased a small farm and enjoyed raising cattle and working the land. The two spent the next 56 years building beautiful memories with their five children and eighteen grandchildren, who were an integral part of their lives. Jim continued his love for sports after high school and played baseball with the Freedom Mets until his children were old enough to participate in their own sports. Jim then coached baseball, basketball and softball for his children and grandchildren. He loved to watch them participate in their sporting events which created some of his favorite memories.

Drive and dedication are two life skills that Jim instilled in his children and grandchildren. Jim worked at Valley Ready Mix, Van Rossum Masonry, Superior Electric, and 40 years at Boldt Construction until his retirement. After retirement, he continued to be an avid wood craftsman who loved to make things for his family. These are pieces they will cherish forever. Jim was an outdoorsman and had a passion for hunting, especially with his dogs. He had a love for flying and earned his pilot’s license and owned his own plane. Jim enjoyed mowing the lawn, “putzing” in his shed, visiting with neighbors/friends, and taking short trips with Marlene. 

Jim’s infectious personality and big heart touched countless individuals. He was well known and respected by many in the Freedom community. He served as a member of the St. Nicholas Parish Council, Freedom Area School Board, Outagamie County Board, and was the President of the Freedom Booster Club. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; his 5 children and their families:  Kristina “Tina” (Matt) Frank and their children: Andrew (Clare-fiance) and Grace Frank; Tammy (Mark) Sheriff and their children: Samantha (Chase-fiance), Zachary and Alex Sheriff; Todd (Tracy) Brockman and their children: Jakob, Nikolas and Karlyn Brockman; Terry (Melissa) Brockman and their children: Jesse, Katelyn, Kamryn and Kendra Brockman; Troy (Kendilyn) Brockman and their children: Tanner, Dakota, Calista, Hunter, and Tucker Brockman; siblings: Judy Knaus, Carol (Robert “Toby”) Paltzer, Bill (Pat) Brockman, Lyn (Herb) Stephani, Leroy (Glenda) Brockman, Gary (Marilyn) Brockman, Marvin “Mel” (Kathy) Brockman, Mary (Cliff) Ebben, Tony Brockman, Rachael (Tom) Acord, Charlotte “Charlie” (Dan) Vandenberg, Kris (Special Friend Race McComb) Brockman, Dan (Mary) Brockman, Pete (Penny) Brockman; brothers and sisters-in-law: Sharon (Ken “Ponch”) Scheibe, Marvin (Kathy) Spierings, and Gerald (Peggy) Spierings; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Reginald and Eunice (Dorn) Brockman; mother and father-in-law: Henry and Edna (Meulmans) Spierings; brother: Reginald Jr. “Dick” Brockman; brother-in-law: Alex Knaus; and granddaughter: Kennedy Brockman. 

The Brockman family would like to extend gratitude to Bellin Cancer Center and ThedaCare Hospice Nurses, CNA’s and Chaplains.  We also would like to thank family and friends for their prayers, cards, delicious food and support.

A public visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 Country Rd. S, Freedom, WI. A prayer service will follow the public visitation on Thursday evening.  On Friday, May 7th there will be a private family service due to Covid-19 restrictions. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.  

Loving Husband, Dad and Grandpa, we cannot thank you enough for the beautiful memories and the impact you have had on our lives. We will miss your sense of humor, incredible devotion to your family and your guiding faith. You have been a wonderful role model. We know we will see you again someday. We love you!

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.