James Herbert Stoeger, age 51, of Appleton, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024, at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee, following a long illness.  James was born in Appleton on December 4, 1972, to the late Herbert and Ruth (Ziesemer) Stoeger.

Following high school, James attended U.W. Fox Valley and then Fox Valley Technical College on scholarships and grants, where he earned a degree in medical transcription in May of 1999.  He worked as a medical editor at Appleton Medical Center for 20 years where he was known as "the gentle giant," and most recently was working at the Neurospine Center in Appleton.  James also helped at the family business in Chilton for many years.

James enjoyed cooking, art, music, trivia, reading and furthering his education – he was a great literalist and history buff with a gift for poetry.  He had a photographic memory and never forgot anyone's birthday, whether it was a family member, co-worker, celebrity, etc…. James gave to many charities that were important to him and his beliefs.  He had a very good sense of humor, and loved to make people laugh, as he loved to laugh with them with his hardy chuckle.

James is survived by three brothers:  Tim and Mark Stoeger of Chilton and Eric Stoeger of Appleton; his niece, Jamie Beyer and her children Emma, Trent, and Cayden, of Chilton; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and special friends Lillian and Daniel Lammers, Black Creek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ruth, and 2 sisters:  Ann and Joy.

Per James wishes, no services will be held.

The family would like to thank the staff at Peabody Manor for the care and support they showed James and his family.  Also, to elementary school teacher Ms. Germaine A. Heimbach and high school teacher Mr. Bill Steinert for leaving a lasting impression on James's life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local charity of your choice.

As you are now, so once was I.  As I am now, so you shall be.

I am…I am here…I am there…I am everywhere around you.  IN the wind that blows around you.  In the rain that washes away your pain.  In the rainbow that says everthing's okay.  I am here…I am now…I am forever.  Keep me in your soul as I do you.  A loving hug, a thoughtful gesture.  My world is not your world now, but love doesn't die.  It changes its form before our eyes.  Soon we will be for all eternity.  I am in you, you are in me.

-The above poem was written by James at his sister's passing.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He maketh me lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  an I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

-Psalm 23

Jimmy was a kind and gentle person who gave of himself and all he had to others.  He was slow to anger and quick to forgive.  To know him was to love him.  Jimmy, we know you are on your way. As you said to all you knew, you believed Jesus and Mary would come for you.  Your suffering and trials are over now, we will always remember you.  Peace and love till we meet again.