James E. Kaplan, Jr., 78, ran to the Arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Saturday morning, October 24, 2026, at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Jim was born on August 31, 1948, to James E. and Wilma (Proeber) Kaplan, Sr., who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Kaplan.
Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy in the early 1970s, stationed in the Philippines — a language he still enjoyed speaking now and then. He then dedicated 28 years to the City of Racine Department of Public Works.
A man of deep faith, Jim served in Jail Ministry at the Racine County Jail, always ready and willing to share Jesus, his Lord and Savior. His heart was to help others and to ask, “Do you know Jesus? Don’t leave earth without Him.” He loved and worshipped God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jim was a faithful member of Hope City Church in Racine and loved listening to Pastor Tylre, both in person and at home via YouTube.
Jim continued his service to his community as Alderman for the City of Racine Fourth District for 10 years, and as County Supervisor for the Fourth District for 2 years.
Jim always loved to help others. Jim and his beloved wife, Julie, were married on September 7, 1984, celebrating 42 years of marriage this past September.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Julie; his beloved dogs, Wilma Lu and Marie Irene; his nephew, Justin, and his wife Dana, and their children Adeline, Emsley, and Julian; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Barbara Steberl; nephews Richard (J.R.) and Jenny Steberl and their children Gryphon, Jareth, and Kaitlyn; Robert and Mandasia Steberl and their children Arabella, Owen, Chloe, and Kira; and Danny and Holly Steberl and their son Riker and Daniel’s stepson Carter; and many cousins, including Carolyn Jacobson and Tony Totero, who always shared their scrumptious spaghetti and sauce every Christmas Day for many, many years.
Special thanks to J.R., Jenny, Kaitlyn, and Jareth Steberl for all of their love, support, and help during this trying time.
There will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.