James A. “Jim” Yeakey

James A. “Jim” Yeakey, age 86 of Shawano passed from the arms of family and friends to the arms of the Lord on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Jim was born in Milwaukee on April 1, 1940, a son of the late Oliver and Mildred (Zebrick) Yeakey. He grew up in Appleton. Following high school, Jim attended UW-Oshkosh where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history education. He later earned his master’s degree in counseling as well as a certificate in administration. Jim served as the principal at Franklin Middle School in Shawano until retiring in 1997. While in college, he met his future wife, Jan Luebke. The couple married on August 8, 1964, in Appleton. They shared forty wonderful years together until Jan’s untimely death in 2004. Prior to her death, the couple renovated a 100-year-old home and opened the Five Keys Bed & Breakfast in Shawano. They enjoyed working as a team and entertaining people from all over the world before closing in 2004.
The Lord called Jim to serve in various capacities at Zion Lutheran Church, including the Puppet Ministry he and Jan began. It not only brought immense joy to them, but also to the parishioners. Jim also loved being part of the mentoring program at Zion, serving on the church counsel, and serving as treasurer, just to name a few.
Jim was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan and also enjoyed hunting and trains. His greatest joy, however, was being involved with his grandchildren and all of their many activities.
Survivors include his adoring children, Matt (Stella) Yeakey of Madison, Joel Yeakey of Shawano, and Leigh (David) Welander of Shawano; six grandchildren, Trevor, Marcus (fiancé Erin Harger), Lauren, Isaac, Julia, and Micah; and his niece, Deena Wetzel. Jim was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Harold Wetzel.
A memorial service for Jim will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 am at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Pastor Lois Graper will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred in Jim’s name to the Zion Youth Fund, the Shawano Youth League, or the Shawano Jazz Foundation.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.