James Michael "Jim" Beere, age 75, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at home with his family by his side. Born November 25,1950 and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late F. Jerome and Patricia (Skow) Beere. Jim built a life rooted in family, faith, hard work, and service to others. 

Jim graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1968 and studied at UW-Parkside. He started his career at Pioneer Products in 1966. A few years later he entered an apprenticeship, became a journeyman and continued working his way through the company, eventually becoming president. Jim remained with Pioneer Products for over fifty years.

Jim met the love of his life, Kathleen Orban, while in high school and they married December 4, 1971. Together, they raised four children who were the center of their lives. Jim's favorite roles revolved around his family. Whether it was coaching his kids soccer teams, hosting Christmas gatherings, simply treating his children's friends as extended family or hiding dollar coins for the ones that call him Pa, Jim was always his children's biggest fan, motivator, protector and source of encouragement.

Jim also treasured traveling up north with Kathy and her siblings, Karen (Rick) Riemer and Sue (Larry) Kirchoff. Their time together in Waupaca and on the Chain of Lakes created many cherished memories.

Jim was a man of deep faith. He was a member of St. Edward Parish, where he served on the parish council, later becoming a member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish. His faith was not simply something he professed, it could be seen in the way he lived and served others.

Community service was central to who Jim was. He believed serving others meant more than offering words; it meant generously giving one's time, effort, and resources wherever they could make a difference. For many years, Jim was a devoted member of the Racine Founders Rotary Club, contributing countless hours and supporting its efforts to help others throughout the community. He truly lived Rotary's ideal of "Service Above Self," teaching his family through his actions that each of us has a responsibility to leave our community better than we found it.

Jim was far more than the titles he held. He was a devoted husband, father, and Pa; a faithful parishioner; a coach; a Rotarian; a community leader; and an example of what it means to serve. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the people he encouraged, and the community to which he gave so much.

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy; his children, Bits (Dan Hogan), Jonathan (Jennifer), Andrew (Caroline), and Christian (Monica); his grandchildren, Abbie (Tyler), Nicholas, Megan, Cali (Evon), Caitlin (Kevin), Juliet, Paisley, Mabel, Benjamin, Rebekah, Samuel, Lexie, and Brooklyn; his great-grandson, Montgomery; his sister, Joan Polczynski; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents F. Jerome and Pat Beere; grandchildren, Madeline and Jonathan; in-laws, George and Elaine Orban; brother-in-law, Jim Polczynski;sister and brother-in-law,  Suellen and Larry Kirchoff.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, Racine, from 10:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will immediately follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, the Racine Founders Rotary Club, or a charity of the donor's choice.

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