James A. Yesse, age 61, of Fremont, died unexpectedly on Friday, February 5, 2016 at Appleton Medical Center.

He was born on June 3, 1954 in New London, the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Knaack) Yesse. Jim worked with his father for many years in the family business, Yesse Refrigeration and Appliance, and after his father’s passing continued to run the business. He will always be remembered as a helping hand to many people in the community and he will be greatly missed by all. Jim was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, and also a member of the Winchester Historical Society. He also enjoyed volunteering many hours at Bethany Home in Waupaca, as well as the Self Help Prison Ministry in Fox Lake. Jim enjoyed collecting old cars and spent many summers at the Iola Car Show with his brother, Keith. He also enjoyed helping his sister, Cindy set up Barbie displays and build staging for these events at local nursing homes. Jim loved to go thrift store shopping and could repurpose many of the items he acquired.

Jim is survived by his brother, Keith (Beverly), Red Granite; a sister, Cynthia (Donald) Kresh, Wisconsin Rapids; step-nieces and nephews and their families; two aunts, Mary Knaack, Pine River, and Patricia Knaack, MI; cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 at 11a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 107 Tustin Rd., Fremont. Pastor Stephen Pope will officiate. Burial will be in East Bloomfield Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 4-7 p.m. at the Lewin Funeral Home and on Friday, at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established for St. Paul Fellowship Fund.