James Acherman

August 21, 1938 - April 29, 2025

Obituary

James (Jim) Peter Acherman, age 86, of Calamine, WI, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Sienna Crest in Darlington, WI. 

Born on August 21, 1938, to Francis and Catherine (McGuire) Acherman, he was raised in Calamine alongside his three brothers and extended McGuire family members, who affectionately called him "Jimmy" throughout his life. Jim graduated from Darlington High School in 1956 and served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. After a brief stint working at John Deere in Dubuque, Iowa, Jim pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, earning a degree in education and later obtaining a master's degree from the University of South Dakota. 

In 1963, Jim began his teaching career at Belmont High School. He later taught for one year in Hartford, WI, before dedicating many years to teaching mathematics at Darlington High School from 1970 until his retirement in 2000. Outside of the classroom, Jim was a devoted coach for the cross country and track teams, a food connoisseur and critic, a prolific gardener; and actively volunteered with local organizations, including the Jaycees, Lafayette County Historical Society, the Wisconsin Towns Association, and St. Michael's Church in Calamine, often taking on leadership roles. Notably, he served on the Willow Springs Township Board for 46 years, holding every position except for treasurer. 

Jim met his future wife, Shirley Ann Schilling, at a roller skating party, and they were married on August 4, 1962, at St. Michael's Church. They celebrated 54 wonderful years together and raised four daughters: Tammy Zeller (Jeff) of Zama, Japan; Theresa Mittmann (Lars) of Milwaukee; Jamie Hartwig (Heath) of Darlington; and Jessie Belanger (Dan) of Darlington. Jim and Shirley were blessed with nine grandchildren: Julie Owens (Austin), Emily Zeller, James Hartwig, Carson Hartwig, Catherine (Catie) Hartwig, Grady Hartwig, D.J. Belanger, Matthew Belanger, and Payton Belanger. 

Jim is survived by many family and friends, including his brothers Francis (Frank), John, and Michael (Mike) Acherman, along with sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Robert and Helen Schilling; his beloved wife Shirley in 2016; grandson Carson Hartwig in 2020; and several siblings-in- law. 

Jim's legacy as an educator and community leader will be remembered by all who knew him. As Henry Brooke Adams once stated, "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Calamine with Fr. Chris Gernetzke officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by Bates-O'Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington. A visitation will be held Monday, May 5, 2025, from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with a rosary being prayed at 2:30 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) and on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Calamine. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

Events

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TB
Tricia Burke
Friend •
Mr. Acherman (as I'll always remember him) was my Algebra II teacher and track coach at Darlington High School in the 1980s. While I didn't catch his dry wit much in the classroom, it was ever present during track practices and meets, and I came to appreciate it very much. Sending love and light to his family and friends.
EE
Ed Edwards
Friend •
I started teaching with Jim in 1986 and about the 3rd day I was there this guy came into my room with this gruff voice and said "just wanted to welcome you to Darlington." Then he says " do you have a tax shelterd annuity set up here at the school?" I said I don't even know what that is?? Jim says you just better get one and I don't care if you put $5.00-$10.00 or $100 a check into the annuity..Well when Jim tells you something you listened and you do it. Well my amounts increased over the years and thanks to Ach I had a nice little nest egg after 25 years. I always enjoyed coaching track with Jim--He was one of a kind--He told it like it was and didn't mince words.. My sympathies to the family--He will be missed--gruff but a heart of gold!!
MH
Marion Howard
Friend •
My most sincere sympathy to all the Acherman family. Jim was the go-to person for questions regarding the history of Calamine and area. A good visitor and friend. May God grant you comfort and Peace
LM
Lori Murphy
Friend •
My Sympathy to the Acherman Family. Mr. Acherman was a great teacher and I can still picture him standing outside his door. Lori Zimmerman Murphy
MH
Marion Howard
Friend •
To all the Achermans, I am so very sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was the go-to person on anything related to the history of Calamine and area. Always up for a friendly visit and his slant on the subject. Both he and Shirley were good friends and I will miss him. You were fortunate to have had them as your patriearch.
PJ
Pamela K Johnson-Weller
Friend •
From the age of 14-18 lived with my parents and siblings in Calamine. Jimmy, Shirley Tammy and Teresa lived up the street and we'd see each other often. I even babysat for the girls on an occasion or two. I had him as a teacher one year and was kind of funny to call him Mr. Acherman. Jimmy always had a smile or a wave. The whole family were awesome. My Deepest Sympathy to the Family.

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