James (Jim) H. Steffes, 61, of Prime Coatings, Pewaukee, WI, and a member of the Chemical Coaters Association, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 17, 2008, as a result of an automobile accident.

James was born on July 31, 1946, in Fond du Lac, WI, the son of Harry J. and Frances Dilling Steffes. He was a 1964 graduate of Campbellsport High School. He earned a bachelor’s of science degree from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a master's degree in business administration from Marian College in Fond du Lac.

Jim served during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force. He was always drawn to the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, hiker and woodworker. He loved to capture the moment on film and took his camera on all his travels.

He is survived by Barb, his loving wife for 37 years; his daughter, Rachelle; his son, Burt; his granddaughter, Caiden; his brothers, Edwin, Tony, Tom, Hank and Frank; his sister, Rose; and numerous nieces and nephews.

"Jim was one of the good guys of the world, always willing to help out with whatever job or project that might present itself,” says Terry Welch of Prime Coatings. “Jim was an outstanding coatings technician. He traveled extensively in the United States, as well as Mexico and China. He served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Chapter of the Chemical Coaters Association International for many years and helped put on that organization’s summer golf outing. Jim never had a bad word to say about anybody. We are all thankful for every moment we were able to spend with Jim. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Words cannot express the loss we all feel."

For more information, e-mail WISCCAI@wi.rr.com.