James "Jim" John Rabas

     James "Jim" J. Rabas, Jr., 76, Algoma, died unexpectedly Tuesday April 9, 2024 at Bellin Hospital after a short battle with cancer.

     Jim was born in Algoma on April 1, 1948 to James, Sr. and Mildred (Kirchman) Rabas. Jim married Dori Ropson of Algoma on November 1, 1969 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 
Jim was the proud co-owner of Algoma Motors his entire adult life, along with his brother Jeff. Jim had oil in his blood. He worked alongside his dad at Algoma Motors during his youth and proudly took over the family business with his brother when his father retired. Together, they grew their father’s legacy and maintained Algoma Motors as a homegrown, customer-centered community business for over 50 years. Jim treated his customers like family and always made time for everyone.

     If Jim had oil in his blood, he certainly had steam in his soul. He learned a passion and love for steam engines from his father. Jim and his steam engines were a long-time fixture in area parades. Anyone who knew Jim also understood that he felt great happiness by creating joy for others, especially young parade goers.
Jim’s feet and ears were reserved for polka. Jim was the best polka dancer he knew, and he would be sure to let you know that! He loved polkas and his Czech heritage and would never pass up a dancing opportunity with his favorite partner, Dori. He visited Czechoslovakia during his adult life and often told stories about how much he enjoyed that trip.

     Jim’s heart was saved for his family. The family cottage in Door County was the place of everlasting special memories with his siblings, wife, children, and grandchildren. Captain James was king of the boat and spent countless hours on the water with his friends and family. The cottage was a special place for Jim and, because of that, his family.

     Jim volunteered and donated his time to numerous community organizations over his life, such as the Algoma Chamber of Commerce, Kewaunee County Historical Society, Agricultural Heritage Resources, and Community Improvement of Algoma, just to name a few. He cared deeply about the community of Algoma and broader Kewaunee County and committed to a life of service. Jim was rewarded for these commitments with the title of Shanty Days Honoree in 2006, which was one of his proudest moments.

     Jim is survived by his wife Dori; siblings Beverly, Edith, and Jeff (Jean); children Jaime (Patrick), Jim, and Jesse; and grandchildren Caleb, Avery, Abigail, and Amelia. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Mildred.

     Friends may call at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on 4th Street, Algoma from 1:00 PM until the prayer service at 5:00 PM on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

     We want to offer our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses of Bellin Hospital for the wonderful concern and care given Jim while in their hands.

     Jim served as President for the Agricultural Heritage and Resources in Kewaunee for many years and had a deep passion for agricultural heritage. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Agricultural Heritage and Resources or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church/School in Algoma.

     The Schinderle Funeral Home, Algoma, was entrusted with the arrangements for Jim and his family. Express your sympathy, memories and pictures on Jim's tribute page at www.schinderlefuneralhome.com.

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