James Dyer

If anything needs fixing in Heaven, the right guy just arrived. James Dyer (Jim) was called to his Eternal Home with the Lord, on May 16, at his home, surrounded by family. Jim was born in Marinette, WI on June 23, 1945 to William and MaryAnn (Charlson) Dyer. Jim and his sister Kathy grew up on the family farm in Crivitz, which provided a strong foundation for most of his skills and qualities: work ethic, patience, contentment with the simple things, and keen discernment of right from wrong.

After eight years of courtship (she had to be sure!), Jim married his soulmate, Norma Jane Smith on September 28, 1968, in Wausaukee, WI. They moved to Oshkosh where they started a life together, he as a steamfitter with Johnson Controls and she as a nurse at Mercy Medical Center. Jim and Norma welcomed two sons and as a family, enjoyed fishing, boating, kids’ events and gathering with friends and family. In 1979, Jim and his partners founded Energy Control and Design, Inc. in Appleton, where he had a long and fulfilling career until his retirement.

After retirement, Jim used his additional free time to fish, make trips to see his grandkids, spend winters with Norma and many friends at their condo in Anna Maria Island, Florida. He treasured many trips to Wyoming mule deer hunting with friends, and a good cup of coffee with anyone who wanted to join the table. He was a member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, as well as Masonic Light Lodge in Crivitz and the Shriners.

Jim will be remembered by friends and family as a helper. He was quick to lend his handyman skills, knowledge, opinions (he had several of those), or simply a listening ear or kind word to someone having a hard time. He will also be remembered for his witty sense of humor and playful spirit. He rarely went anywhere that he didn’t know someone and was always quick with a wise crack, never taking himself too seriously. What he did take seriously was his faith, his family, his work and his friends. He will be deeply missed by many.

Jim is survived by his wife Norma of 56 years, and their sons Steve (Christa) of Lake Elmo, MN and Nate of Oshkosh; grandchildren Anna and Emmett Dyer, who will dearly miss their “papa.” He is also survived by his sister Kathy (Richard) Miller of Madison, NC, as well as brothers-in law Richard (Barbara) Smith and Gary Smith; sisters-in-law JoAnn Schlies and Marge Smith; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and MaryAnn, parents-in-law, Norman and Mildred “Toots” Smith of Wausaukee, WI, as well as many other relatives.

Per Jim’s wishes, a funeral will not be held. Rather, a Celebration of Life will be planned for the coming months. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested any memorials be directed to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Oshkosh Community Foundation or Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church of Oshkosh.