James A. Schmeling, 87, of Cedarburg died Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg. He had been in hospice care for his last few days with kidney failure that was no longer responding to treatment.

Jim was born to Albert and Helen Schmeling in Minnesota on Nov. 11, 1938. The family later moved to Milwaukee.

He married Louise Plum in 1958. They raised five children and enjoyed a happy marriage for more than 60 years before Louise died in 2022.

Jim and his growing family lived in Shorewood, Wis., then in Belgium and Fredonia in Ozaukee County before Jim and Louise moved to Cedarburg.

Jim graduated from Messmer High School in Milwaukee, which is where he met Louise. He joined the U.S. Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., becoming an Army cook and later an Army reservist. He often spoke proudly of the logistics of preparing breakfast eggs to order for thousands of soldiers.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim worked in the grocery business. He was a meatcutter and meat department manager for many years before his retirement. He and Louise also owned and ran several rental properties in the Milwaukee area.

He is survived by a sister, Ruth Kressl of West Allis; daughters Patricia Jaffke (Dave) of Grafton and Sharon Schmeling (James Kates) of Jefferson; and sons Charles “Chuck” of Theresa and Eric of Grafton; along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Robert; a sister, Barbara Hoyer; and a daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Schmeling. He also was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Kristen (Eric) and a son-in-law, William Johnson (Patricia).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, at noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St. in Grafton. A visitation with the family will be held beginning at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the funeral Mass from 1 to 3 p.m. Interment will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations to Messmer High School or St. Joseph’s Catholic School are suggested.

The family would like to thank the dedicated and compassionate staff at Horizon Hospice, Lasata Care Center and Lasata Crossings Assisted Living.

Eernisse Funeral Homes and Cremation Service of Cedarburg is assisting the family.