James Tarr

James Myron Tarr, Appleton, WI age 86, passed away on July 3, 2024, while in Hospice Care at ThedaCare-Neenah, due to an injury sustained from a fall in his home. Jim was born on January 9, 1938, in Waupaca, WI, the son of Myron and Lucinda (Wrede) Tarr. Jim attended Waupaca High School and was later employed as a patternmaker at the Waupaca Foundry. He became a self-employed patternmaker and landlord, working out of a home he built, on Round Lake on the Chain O’ Lakes in Waupaca, and owned/managed several rental properties in the area. Jim had many fond memories of visits from his nieces and nephews.

 In 1981, Jim met and married his wife, Jane (Edge)Tarr, an art teacher at Little Wolf High School in Manawa WI. They were wed at the Red Mill in Waupaca, WI on October 3, 1981. In 1983, the couple moved to Appleton, WI, and raised their two children. Jim worked as a patternmaker at Perfect Pattern in Appleton, and later as a paratransit driver for Kobussen Busses, Ltd. Bus No. 45.

Jim was a warm-hearted husband and a loving father. He was an avid sports fan of the Packers and the Brewers. He enjoyed the simple things in life, like a good hamburger with extra onions and a frosty brew. Jim was a selfless, thoughtful man who was dedicated to his family. He used his woodworking and building skills to provide an accessible home for his daughter and devoted his time, to be actively present for his son. Jim will be remembered by his grandsons for his rhubarb pies and being the Turkey in the annual Thanksgiving play.  

Jim is survived by his wife, Jane (Edge) Tarr; daughter, Kinsley Wesla Tarr; son, Wesley James Tarr (Katherine Larson Tarr); grandsons, Jaxon James Tarr and Kingston Louis Tarr; sister Donna (Tarr) Blau; and nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents Myron King Tarr and Lucinda (Wrede) Tarr; and sister Trevlyn (Tarr) LaHaie. 

 Burial of remains will be officiated by sister-in-law, Rev. Caroline Edge on, September 14, 2024, at a private graveside gathering at the Crystal Lake Cemetery in Rural, WI. Followed by a ‘celebration of life’ cruise with family and friends on the Chief Waupaca Sternwheeler, at Clearwater Harbor in Waupaca, WI. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, a memorial gift can be donated in Jim’s memory to: WAGS Wisconsin Academy for Graduate Service Dogs 1337 Greenway Cross #157 Madison, WI 53713  

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at ThedaCare-Neenah for their compassionate care.