James Arthur Sperling

August 1, 1949 - December 16, 2012

James A. Sperling, 63, Horicon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 16, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born August 1, 1949 in Hustisford, Jim was the only child of Melvin and Bernice (Luebke) Sperling. He grew up in Browns Corners, and served with the US Marine Corps in Vietnam after graduation from Mayville High School in 1967. He was united in marriage with Diane Jauert on February 7, 1976.

Jim was a tough guy in appearance who had a kind and generous heart. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. He treasured time spent with his five grandchildren, taking them for golf cart rides to the park, and bowling. His oldest grandsons enjoyed helping him fix their bikes, fishing, and working in the garden, while the younger boys loved playing trains and being pushed on the swing. His granddaughter was always his little princess.

After several years in various construction businesses, Jim worked as an Operating Engineer at Michels Corporation of Brownsville (Materials Division) from 1979 to 2010.

A proud veteran, Jim was passionate about supporting veteran programs. He was a member of Horicon Legion Post 157, Sons of the American Legion and was active in bringing the Traveling Vietnam Wall to Brownsville. He enjoyed sharing his experiences with school groups on Veterans Day. Jim was a charter member of American Legion Riders Association (ALRA) in Wisconsin. As an ALRA member, he participated by leading the funeral processions of four service members, and was also proud to assist the Patriot Guard in honoring fallen military heroes and their families.

He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was a member of the Open Road H.O.G. Chapter (Fond du Lac). Jim journeyed to Sturgis, numerous state rallies and Rolling Thunder to Washington, D.C., in addition to many special event rides including LZ Lambeau, Ride for Pride, Cops for Kids, MDA, and Breast Cancer fundraisers. He especially enjoyed playing Santa for families adopted by the Chapter. He was also a former member of the Horicon Lions Club.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters Christine Adamavich of Mayville, and Jessica (Ben) Miller of Horicon; grandchildren Matthias, Myles and Marissa Adamavich; and Casey and Cody Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Delores Jauert, aunts and uncles.

The visitation will be at Murray Funeral Home in Horicon on Friday, December 21, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The rosary will be read at 7:00 PM. There will also be a visitation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, December 22, 2012 from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church on Saturday at 11:00 AM with Fr. Mike Petrie officiating. Burial will be held at St. Malachy Cemetery in Horicon and Military Honors will follow at the graveside.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 East Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Visitation Details

Friday, December 21st, 2012, 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Saturday, December 22nd, 2012, 10:00am – 10:45am, Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Horicon

Service Details

Saturday, December 22nd, 2012, 11:00am, Sacred Heart Catholic Church-Horicon

Interment Details

St. Malachy Cemetery-Horicon

James A. Sperling, 63, Horicon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 16, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born August 1, 1949 in Hustisford, Jim was the only child of Melvin and Bernice (Luebke) Sperling. He grew up in Browns Corners, and served with the US Marine Corps in VietnamContinue Reading

See Condolences

Diane, My deepest sympathy to you and God Bless Jim who now rests in heaven.

Diane, my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I always enjoyed my visits with Jim at the zone meetings. He was proud of your leadership in Lions and very proud of his service to his country, as well he should have been. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. thoughts and prayers. Lion Chuck Rhein Lomira.

Diane, My deepest sympathy to you and God Bless Jim who now rests in heaven.

WELCOME HOME MY BROTHER JIM - WELCOME HOME IN PEACE!!!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Diane and family, we are thinking of you all. Jim was a great man and had such a gentle soul. He will be missed by all. God Bless your family as you mourn his passing.

WELCOME HOME MY BROTHER JIM - WELCOME HOME IN PEACE!!!

Diane and family, we are thinking of you all. Jim was a great man and had such a gentle soul. He will be missed by all. God Bless your family as you mourn his passing.

Diane and family, We are so sorry Jim lost his battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, upholding you in peace, during this difficult time. We pray that all your sorrow and grief be turned into joy and thanksgiving as Jim is welcomed Home by our Heavenly Father. Brenda and Jack Utzerath

sorry i cant be there to say goodbye old friend, i will miss seeing and talking with you and diane and crissy with the bikes at the events, gods speed my friend

While our hearts go out to Diane and the Sperling family on the loss of Jim, we all need to smile and think about the wonderful incredible man he was. God most certainly has a special place for Jim.

sorry i cant be there to say goodbye old friend, i will miss seeing and talking with you and diane and crissy with the bikes at the events, gods speed my friend

While our hearts go out to Diane and the Sperling family on the loss of Jim, we all need to smile and think about the wonderful incredible man he was. God most certainly has a special place for Jim.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.