James Stilin

James “Jim” P. Stilin, age 91 of Rhinelander, passed away peacefully with his family at his side, on February 27, 2025, in Bonita Springs, Florida. He was born on March 26, 1933, in Ashland, the son of Nick and Mary (Murkovich) Stilin, both immigrants from Croatia (then Austria-Hungary). Jim’s family lived in Mellen, where his father ran a general store. To help support his large family, he began logging with his brothers at lumber camps at an early age.

Jim graduated from Mellen High School in 1951. He joined the Marine Corps in 1952, served in Korea from 1953 to 1955 and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He then attended Northland College and graduated in 1960 with a BA in Economics. While attending college, he also single-handedly built his house in Mellen.

On December 5, 1964, he married the former Sheila Whalen, also from Mellen. 

Jim joined the John Deere company in 1960 and served as Territory Manager for Northern Wisconsin and the UP. In 1974, he accepted the position of Senior Vice President at Ison Equipment in Monico, and the family moved to Rhinelander. Jim retired in 1990. Three years later, he and Sheila became “snowbirds” and began spending winters in Bonita Springs.

Jim loved riding his motorcycle and made yearly pilgrimages to Sturgis. He learned to downhill ski when he was forty-one and enjoyed taking his family on weekend ski trips to the UP. Later, he accompanied his children on yearly ski trips to Salt Lake City. He also enjoyed playing basketball in a local men’s league and golfing with friends in Rhinelander and Bonita Springs. 

A loyal Green Bay Packers fan, Jim rarely skipped a game on television. As a young man, he also developed a love for opera and looked forward to the Saturday matinee radio broadcasts from The Metropolitan Opera. Years later, he realized his dream of seeing live performances in New York and Florida.

In addition, Jim never turned down opportunities to fell trees and run a John Deere bulldozer, and he helped grade the site of the Rhinelander Ice Arena and the cross-country ski trails at Northwood Golf Club.

A loving and dedicated father, Jim was always available for advice, guidance, and support. He was also a gifted storyteller and entertained family and friends with tales from his past.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sheila; his son, Forrest; his daughters, Leslie (Phil) Schmidt and Heather Stilin; his grandchildren, Henry and Maria Kipper, Leo and Cal Folgert; and his brothers, Richard and William. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Phillip, Nicholas, Thomas, John, and Robert; and sister, Mary Hafferman.

The Stilin family would like to thank the staff at Hope Hospice and The Terraces at Bonita Springs for providing Jim with exceptional care. The family will announce arrangements to celebrate Jim’s life at later time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.