James K. "Jim" DeBraal

James “Jim” DeBraal passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. He was born on March 18, 1929, in Appleton, to Daniel and Reina DeBraal. He served in the army from 1951 to 1953, which included a deployment to Panama during the Korean Conflict. On May 28, 1955, he married Joyce Alice Hass at Trinity Lutheran Church, Kaukauna. Jim had a passion for golf. He was a member of The Good Fellowship League and the Reid Men’s Club at Reid Golf Course for many years. His greatest achievements on the golf course were his 3 holes-in-one. Jim also enjoyed watching baseball and rooting for the Chicago Cubs. He and Joy loved to travel and often took day trips to local attractions or to enjoy nature. One of his most cherished experiences was in 2014 when he participated in the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington DC. He retired from the Appleton Post Crescent in the distributution department in 1995. Jim was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Appleton.

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joy; 3 sons: Dirk DeBraal, William (Christine) DeBraal, and Peter (Deborah) DeBraal; 5 grandchildren: Dana (Tyler) Holtzheimer, Emily, Katie, Sophie, and Lily DeBraal; 3 siblings: Sally Dern, Judy Arpke, and Bob DeBraal; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Dan DeBraal, Ruth Cooke, June McGregor, and Doreen Kimball.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, November 19, 2018, at Grace Lutheran Church, 900 N. Mason St., Appleton, with Pastor Dan Luett officiating. Visitation will be Monday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to Grace Lutheran Church, Appleton, or The Old Glory Honor Flight of Northeast Wisconsin.

Jim’s family would like to thank the staff of Compassus Hospice for their excellent care and support; especially, nurse Erin.