James Acherman

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.