James Daniel Phelps

James Daniel Phelps, better known as "Jim", passed away peacefully at the age of 62 on his home of Washington Island, WI surrounded by family on November 24, 2024 after a stroke and battle with Stage 4 cancer. Jim was born in Oconomowoc on March 25, 1962, the youngest of three siblings to his late mother, Viginia Marie Holton, and father, Robert Henry Phelps. He graduated from Washington Island High School with the Class of 1980 before continuing his education at NWTC which he would speak of often.  

Throughout his career Jim worked as a contractor, with wood floors as his specialty and favorite projects. First starting out with Martin Anderson Construction, and Herschberger Home Improvements, then establishing his own company, Jim Phelps Construction. He was truly dedicated to his work, family and friends. It is likely that he touched and did some form of work on each structure on Washington Island and in a way, his memory lives on through this work. He was always a person to reach out to for help and beloved by his community.

In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, teaching his children new skills, fishing, hunting, bowling, windsurfing and playing pool. He loved collectables, cars, boats, motorcycles and traveling throughout the U.S. with his partner Julie. To most people, there also wasn't anyone that could tell a story better than Jim.

He will be missed by many and is survived by his three children, James Robert Phelps, Andrew Thomas Phelps both of Sturgeon Bay, WI and Jennifer Marie Phelps of San Francisco, CA; his grandson, Charlie Michael Wacaser of Kaukauna, WI; long-term partner, Julie G. Anderson; sister, Roberta Lynn Phelps of Washington Island, WI; and step brothers, David Alderfer, John Alderfer both of Washington Island, WI, and Jim Alderfer of Geneva, Il.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Ann Phelps; mother, Viginia Marie Holton; father, Robert Henry Phelps; and “adoptive” island mother, Ellen Alderfer. 

A Celebration of Life to honor Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church on Washington Island at 1:00 pm. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Following the service, all are welcome to gather at Nelsen's Hall Bitters Pub to remember Jim. A separate graveside service will be held on the island at a later date.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sister Bay is assisting the Phelps family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Jim may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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