James L. Palmer

James Lyman Palmer of Weston, Wisconsin, passed away at the age of 77 on September 3, 2023. Jim was born on October 3, 1945, in Crandon, Wisconsin, to Marie Jane Lyman and Lyle Kenneth Palmer.   

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in January of 1969, Jim volunteered to join the United States Marine Corps and served one tour in Vietnam, for which he received the National Defense Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, among numerous other combat awards. Jim was honorably discharged as a sergeant and returned to Wisconsin to attend graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he received a master’s degree in education. After serving as a K-8 counselor with the Waupun Public School District for one year, Jim began as an instructor with the Northcentral Technical College (then NCTI), where he taught for 32 years in the area of public safety. During this time, there were very few law enforcement officers, EMTs and firefighters in central Wisconsin who were not familiar with Jim. He introduced many innovative programs to the residents of the Northcentral District, and he served as the chairman of the Marathon County Highway Safety Commission for more than 30 years.  

Jim’s greatest passions were his wife and family, and he thoroughly enjoyed meeting people, traveling, maintaining relationships with old friends, hunting, fishing, and working outdoors. He never lost his love of playing practical jokes and following Wisconsin’s professional and college sports teams. An avid softball player in his own right, Jim was a member of numerous teams in the Wausau Softball Association. He was also an active member of his local church, and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Vets of America, and the Marine Corps League. A longtime member and past president of the Wausau Noon Optimist Club, Jim also volunteered his time for the Disabled American Veterans organization, along with countless other veteran-sponsored charitable endeavors. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings-George William (Kathy) Palmer, Lyall Jean (Dave) Noreika, Guy Allen (Patty) Palmer, and Marlene Joyce Palmer. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Kay Palmer, his children-James Lyle (Elizabeth) Palmer, Robert Kenneth Palmer, and Annette Marie (John) Hulleman; grandchildren-Ethan James Palmer, Alexander Liam Palmer, Emma Jane Hulleman, Benjamin Palmer Hulleman, Abel James Palmer, Edith Kay Palmer, Drake Allen Logan and Aryana Thi Nguyen; great-grandchildren Bennett and Briella Logan; and his siblings Constance Marie King and Glenn Russell Palmer; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other members of his beloved extended family. 

Jim’s family would like to give special thanks to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services in Wausau and the Rennes Health & Rehab Center in Weston. A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3 at the Brainard Funeral Home in Weston, preceded by a visitation at 1 p.m.