James Shepich

CASPIAN — James S. Shepich, age 77, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, after a long illness.

He was born on Aug. 11, 1942, in Stambaugh, the son of the late Frank and Muriel (Deloria) Shepich. He attended the Stambaugh schools, graduating with the class of 1960. Jim married Mary Kay Marcell on Nov. 16, 1963 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River. They celebrated their 56th anniversary in 2019.

Farming and logging were Jim’s passions. He began showing animals at the U.P. State Fair as a young teen, was soon renting property, and ultimately purchased the family farm in 1963. He worked for the sewage plant for 40 years, several years as the superintendent. He was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian. Jim was dedicated to his community. He served two terms on the Iron County Board, was elected as the Stambaugh Township Treasurer from 1990 to 2008, served on the Community Action Board for 15 years, served as the superintendent of the Iron County Fair Board for many years, and also served on the Iron County Soil Conservation Board for many years. He received numerous awards over the years for his service. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, telling his numerous stories, engaging in lively political debates, but mostly driving his tractor.

Jim will be greatly missed by his wife, Mary Kay; sons, Dr. James (Anita) Shepich of Midland, Dr. Jeffrey (Chau) Shepich of Eau Claire, Wis. and Jake (Sarah) Shepich of Evergreen Park, Ill; daughters, Sheila (John) Gregorich of Spencer, Wis. and Dr. Sharon Shepich of Iron River; grandchildren, Kea, Kaitlin, Jim, Sam, Nick, Harrison, Evelyn, Caroline, Fiona, Brendan and William; great-grandchildren, Willow, Dawson, Jonah and Veena; brothers, Tom (Loretta) Shepich of Reston, Va., Richard (Pat) Shepich of Troy and Jack (Toni) Shepich of New Berlin, Wis.; sisters, Nancy Tarnowski of Indianapolis, Ind. and Sally Brzezinski of Green Bay, Wis.; sister-in-law, Joann Shepich of Menominee Falls, Wis.; brother-in-law, Peter Loris of New Berlin; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Loris; brother, Frank Shepich; and grandson, Matthew Gregorich.

Private services will be held. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of fl owers, donations be made to the Iron County Fair Association, P.O. Box 6, Iron River, MI, 49935.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of James S. Shepich online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com. Funeral arrangements are by the Jacobs Funeral Home Inc. of Iron River.