James Robert Schabacker, 87, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026, at UW Health University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Jim was born on October 12, 1938, to Henry H. and Florence V. (Birkey) in Rochelle, IL. On November 14, 1959, he married Beverly Ann Harms of Chana. Jim was a lifelong farmer who enjoyed all aspects of farming from operating machinery during planting and harvest seasons to tackling backhoe projects around the farm. A skilled craftsman and a natural problem solver, he spent countless hours in the shop welding, building, and engineering innovative gadgets to make tasks around the farm more efficient. His love for machinery and craftsmanship extended beyond the daily farming tasks, as he restored many tractors with great care and pride. He cherished time spent outdoors, especially on fishing trips to Northern Wisconsin and Canada with family and friends. Jim took great pride in the farm ponds and found joy in sharing them with others who came to fish.

Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Beverly of Rochelle; daughter, Dawn Schabacker of Naperville, IL; son, Todd Schabacker of Rochelle; two grandchildren: Colin (Julia) Schabacker of Eau Claire, WI and Morgan Schabacker of Rochelle; two brothers: Bill (Betty) Schabacker of Chana and Jerry (Audrey) Schabacker of Ashton; and special friends: Joann Pyritz and Anita (Mike) Friedlund.

The visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Unger- Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6 th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 11 at Emmanual Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paynes Point, 764 N Stillman Rd, Oregon, with Pastor Andrew Kayes officiating. The burial will follow the service at Paynes Point Cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s name to UW Madison Hospital.

Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online Guestbook.