If you’ve ever heard someone proudly declare, “Who’s the cutest grandpa of all? Grandpa Jim!”—then you already know the kind of man Jim was.

James Mahloch, age 80, of Shawano, died on Monday, May 4, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Appleton on January 19, 1946, to the late Isadore and Angeline (Gintner) Mahloch. He married the love of his life, Penny Etten, on June 8th, 1968, in Neenah. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and partnership. They were longtime members of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Cecil where Jim served on the parish council.

Jim was a husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He was also a storyteller, jokester, and keeper of secrets, especially his fishing spots. If you gave one away, he’d threaten to “cut your tongue off”-all in good fun, of course. He had a way of spinning a story so well, you almost didn’t question it…and just when you might, he’d finish it off with, “If you don’t believe me, ask Grandma.”

For 40 years, Jim was the proud owner and operator of the Cotton Patch Supper Club alongside his brother Jerry. Together with Penny, they built more than a business. They created a place where people gathered, laughed, and felt at home.

Jim and Penny shared a love for the outdoors spending countless hours hunting and fishing together, both in Canada and close to home. They celebrated each other’s prize fish and deer. Jim found peace in these moments, especially while on his beloved property, Hazelwood, named for Penny. This was a place that held his heart as deeply as his family. Jim was also a proud member of Ducks Unlimited.

Some of the most cherished memories are the simplest ones: “goobers” on his shirts, burning his britches after a fishing trip in Canada, a grandkid tucked into the “squisher,” or one bouncing on his knee until they were giggling uncontrollably, while he sang his famous tune, “bumped an’a schnitel,” He made sure everyone knew the finer things in life, like “wiener water soup” and “lard bread. Soup’s on!”

Jim’s family meant everything to him. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he made sure they felt it through jokes, songs, stories, and time spent together.

Beyond the laughter, Jim was a man of deep strength and quiet impact. For 39 years, he was a loyal friend of Bill W., helping guide countless people toward a better path. Jim never sought recognition for this part of his life—he carried it with humility—but the impact he made was undeniable. In the days just before his passing, stories poured in from those whose lives he touched: people who shared that Jim was the reason they walked into a meeting, the reason they stayed, and, in many cases, the reason they are still here today. He didn’t just talk about change—he lived it, and in doing so, he gave others the courage to believe they could too.

His faith was strong, and he lived it daily through the way he showed up for others—with compassion, honesty, and unwavering support.

Jim is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Penny Ann (Hazel), whom he declared he was marrying the first day they met; three children, Katie (Dave) Novy, Susan (Jeff) Huntington, and Michael (Melissa) Mahloch; grandchildren, Grace, Ava, and Max Huntington, Paige Novy, and Mason and Mallory Mahloch. He is further survived by his siblings, Beverly (Joe) Van Ryzin, Audrey Koleske, Judith Grailer; as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, Kate Mahloch, Marvin (Mary) Etten, Michelle (Rob) Edmisson, Stewart (Tracy) Etten, John (Kathy) Etten, and Robert (Christy) Etten.

He was preceded in death by his parents Isadore and Angeline Mahloch, brother Gerald (Tweeter) Mahloch and his brothers-in-law, Gerald Wolfgram, Fred Grailer and Jim Koleske.

Funeral services will be held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Cecil at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, with Deacon Todd Raether and Fr. Edward Looney officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday beginning at 9:30 am until the time of service.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and stories that will be told for generations. And while we’ll miss him deeply, Jim wouldn’t want us sitting around being sad for too long. He’d want us telling stories, laughing a little louder, and maybe even arguing over whether that fishing or hunting story was actually true.

Because after all, “there’s no crying at Grandpa’s house.”

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Cecil at https://stmartin-cecil.org/donate