Lovingly surrounded by his family, James T. Flauger, 79, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at his home. Jim was born in the Town of Red Springs to Joseph and Minnie (Ross) Flauger.
A lifelong resident of the Gresham area, he attended the two-room schoolhouse in Morgan Siding, then went on to graduate from Gresham High School. In 1965. he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving his country for eight years during the Vietnam War era before being honorably discharged in 1973 as a staff sergeant.
After initial employment at FWD in Clintonville, Jim worked at the Shawano Paper Mill for 34 years, in various capacities, retiring as a shift supervisor.
In 1981, Jim and Norma Creapeau joined their lives in marriage at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano, beginning a journey of love, partnership and devotion that would span more than four decades. For 42 years, they have walked through life side by side – celebrating joys, weathering storms and building a bond that only deepened with time. On June 12, 2025, in a moment of profound love, Jim and Norma once again sealed their bond in marriage – a final, selfless act of devotion that turned parting into unity and sorrow into sacredness. Their union has eternal meaning – a testament to love’s power even in the face of life’s end.
Jim loved being outdoors, always planted a garden, flowers, and was particular about keeping his lawn properly groomed. He was an avid Brewer and Packer fan, and also a dedicated follower of the “NCIS” TV series and all things Star Trek. He had fond memories of the “guys at the mill” and the time he worked there.
Jim loved his stepchildren and their families as his own. He was an especially loving grandfather (Gpa) and great-grandfather. Each one of them had a special place in his heart, and he so enjoyed watching them grow and blossom.
Jim loved everything electronic, and every new little tech item that came along, especially televisions and telephones. At family gatherings, we especially loved his baked beans, bread dumplings and barbecue he loved to prepare. His crispy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies became a family favorite and were a special treat for all of us.
Jim loved traveling out west, especially South Dakota, and camping with the travel trailer, and just sitting by a campfire playing cards. His most recent treasured adventure was going on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with his brother, Dan, and being welcomed home by his family and a large crowd of people. He encouraged any veteran he met to go on this honor trip.
Jim is survived by his wife, Norma; stepchildren, Joseph Creapeau of Green Bay, Cathy (Robert) Bachhuber of Green Bay and Neal Creapeau (special friend Jen Langlois) of New London; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah) Creapeau, Christian Munson, Joshua Munson, Aric Creapeau (fiancée Brandi Dudek), Cora Bachhuber (Caleb Kinjerski), Allison and Ben; and seven great-grandchildren, Payton, Kaiden, Gavin, Kaitlyn, Liam, Ayla and Parker. He is further survived by a brother, Daniel (Cindy) Flauger of Appleton; a sister, Debbie (Bobby) Fiore of Florida; and a sister-in-law, Glenda Flauger of Gresham; nieces and nephews, Tammie (Dave) Boe, Carolyn (Mark) Scholz, Lysianne (Buddy) Laster, Daniel “JR” (Sherry) Flauger, Nathaniel Flauger, Elyssa Hawk and Daniel Nathan Hawk, along with their families; and special friends and neighbors, Tom and Cheryl Deleeuw.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Joe Jr. in infancy, William and Ervin; and in-laws, Norrin “Joe” and Lois Cornelius.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the ThedaCare Hospice nurses, ThedaCare Shawano hospital staff, nurse Terry from ThedaCare Appleton hospital, Shawano County Clerk’s Office and David Raasch for their compassion and assistance during Jim’s difficult and unexpected brief illness.
A celebration of life, with full military honors, will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 1 p.m. “down by the river” behind Jim and Norma’s home at W11352 County Road A, just west of Gresham. After the celebration, we will gather to share stories around the campfire and have a cookout to share his favorite foods in honor of one of Jim’s favorite ways to spend a Saturday afternoon with family and friends.
James T. Flauger
