RACINE, WI

Mr. James (Jim) Lee Shalbrack, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on July 9, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Jim was born October 28, 1930 in Racine, Wisconsin, the son of late Walter and Anna (née Hoffman) Shalbrack. On February 14, 1953, in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Racine, he married Betty Lou (née Jensen). Jim graduated from Racine Park High School in 1949 and attended University of Wisconsin-Racine Extension. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the Army, graduated from Officer Candidate School and was an Army Ranger instructor. He was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. He started his business career with Massey Harris in 1952 and spent 14 years in various sales and marketing leadership roles before returning to Racine in 1964 as vice president of sales and marketing at Scan-O-Matic Inc., a family business. Throughout his career, he traveled internationally for business and with various trade groups promoting manufacturing. Jim retired in 1999.

Jim was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, the Racine Community Foundation, the Wisconsin Trade Association, the Kenosha Country Club Tennis Team and the Oriental Order of Groundhogs, an honorary machine-tool industry fraternity. Additionally, he regularly volunteered at the Racine Greek Festival and taught at the Gateway Technical School.

Jim was known for his witty, dry sense of humor and was always quick with a story or joke. He wasn't above going to great lengths to get a good laugh out of friends. He will be forever remembered for his generosity and loyalty.

Jim had a long and fulfilling life with many loves – food, cooking, world travel and the people/experiences he enjoyed along the way, hosting family and friends for every possible occasion, listening to jazz, playing the drums, watercolor painting, drawing, tennis, golf, and his "silver bullet" – a dry gin martini. Above all, his greatest love was for his family and friends.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his children, Tim (Val), Peter (Kelly), and Michael (Julie). Jim will also be proudly remembered by his nine grandchildren, Erin (Matt), Jamie (Scott), Andy (Fi: Claire McGovern), Megan, Matthew (Kate), Allison, Emily (Josh), Ian, and Colin; his four great grandchildren, Tyler, Trevor, Max and Blake; his dear friend Mary Androff; his daughter-in-law, Kay Shalbrack and son-in-law, Quin Kenny; his sister, Kathleen Quigley; his many nieces and nephews in the Shalbrack and Jensen families; and his loyal four-legged companion, Normyn.

Jim is predeceased by his beloved wife Betty (September 20, 2000), his son David, his daughter Ann Kenny, his sister ,Betty Johnson, and his parents.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church at 6400 Spring Street, Racine on Tuesday July 17, 2018 at 11 am officiated by Fr. Yamid Blanco. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday July 17 starting at 9 am through 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial donations to the charity of your choice in his memory.

Service Details

• The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 17 ^th ,at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Yamid Blanco officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday starting at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.