James LaViolette, 92, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on July 21, 2026. He was born April 30, 1934, in Little Sturgeon to Stanley Sr. and Edna (Hembel) LaViolette. On September 13, 1958, he married Barbara Zahn at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay. She preceded him in death on June 11 of this year. Jim served his country in the United States Army. After graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School, Jim went to work in the shipyard. He was a long-time employee of Peterson Builders Inc. where he worked as foreman of the sheet metal shop. He also worked for Marinette Marine after the sale of Peterson Builders. Jim was a very handy and mechanically minded man with a great attention for detail. He was meticulous about everything he made or repaired. Any equipment he owned was immaculately maintained. He used his skills by being a Mr. “Fix it” and handyman for countless relative and friends. He also enjoyed building scale models of several ships that were built at P.B.I. Some of those models are now on display at the Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay. Years ago, Jim was a member and served as president of the Sturgeon Bay Jaycees. He was also active in the Ski Patrol and a member of the Friends of Pottawatomi State Park organization. For many years, Jim and Barb enjoyed hiking, cross-country skiing, biking and picnicking together in the park. He also enjoyed snorkeling, boating, fishing and hosting fish boils. Jim was a long time and faithful member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church where he served as usher and on the board of elders. Jim is survived by his two children: Bob LaViolette and Cheryl (Barry) Valentine; four grandchildren: Ryan (Maria Arango) Harding, Kendra Harding (James Devany), Sierra (Jillian Schaffer) Valentine, Hailey (Michael) Williams; three great-grandchildren: Remington, Kincaid and Aurora; a brother: Terry (Karen) LaViolette and a sister: Yvonne Erfourth; in-laws: Arnold (Debby) Zahn. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, brother Stanley (Delores); in-laws: Arnold and Dorothy Zahn, and Lyle Erfourth. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with burial at Bayside Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Forbes Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with devotions to be conducted at 6:50 PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday morning at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Jim’s name. Special thanks to Gavin, Gretchen, Megan, Gabby, Cameron (and everyone else whom we might not have named) at Bay View Senior Care and to Katie, Angie and Sara of Unity Hospice for all of their wonderful care and support offered to Jim and our family.