James "Jim" H. Pasbrig

James “Jim” H. Pasbrig, 77, went home to heaven on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. He died peacefully, at his home in West Bend, WI.

James Harold Pasbrig was born on December 19, 1946, the second of three children born to Harvey and Evelyn Pasbrig in Milwaukee, WI. He was baptized on February 9, 1947, and confirmed in his faith at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Milwaukee, WI in 1961.  He was a 1965 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran High School Milwaukee, WI where he met his future wife, Gwendolyn Hansen. They were married on January 26, 1969.

Jim attended Northwestern Lutheran College Watertown, WI, from August 1965 to December of 1968. In 1971 he earned a Bachelor of Science in History from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Jim went on to earn a Master of Science in Education Administration from Nova University in January 1994.

Jim accepted a divine call to serve as the director of the grade school band program, the assistant director of the high school band, and tennis coach at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, in Milwaukee, WI. The grade school program had an enrollment of over 350 students. In 1973 Jim accepted a call to Lakeside Lutheran High School where he served for 6 years as music director, freshman music class instructor, and recruitment director. Jim and his family moved in 1979 to Phoenix, AZ where he served 13 years at Arizona Lutheran Academy as music director, grade school band director, assistant principal, recruitment director, and history teacher. From 1991 to 2004 Jim went into full-time administration as the principal of Nebraska Ev. Lutheran High School (NELHS). He led a major building campaign which vastly expanded the campus at NELHS which is still enjoyed by those attending today. Jim ended his public ministry at St. Croix Lutheran High School from 2004 to 2013 as Director of Development, completing over 40 years of teaching. He instilled in his pupils, co-workers, and all he met to be committed to excellence and serve others.

Jim and Gwen celebrated 55 years of marriage together in a home filled with love and laughter. They were blessed with 3 children, Jon, David, and Brian while in Milwaukee. During their time in Lake Mills, WI they added Christopher, Daniel, and Amy, finally a girl! Sara came the year after moving to Arizona. Jim and Gwen had a marriage that kept Christ at its center. They worked together to manage ministry and family. Even though this wasn’t easy, they relied on God and leaned on each other to get through the struggles of life and took time to give thanks and praise for the blessings they received. In retirement Jim enjoyed visiting with friends and family. He loved spending time teasing his grandchildren, and he rarely passed up a chance to play a game of chess or Sheepshead.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Gwen Pasbrig; six children, Jonathan (Mary), West Bend, WI; David, Philadelphia, PA; Brian (Cheralyn), Liberty, MO; Daniel (Laura), Minden, NE; Amy, West St. Paul, MN; Sara (Andrew) Munk, Dunedin, FL; 12 grandchildren, Jessica, Meaghan, Eric, Emily, Zach, Ben, Dalton, Jaxson, Evelyn, Everleigh, Eli, and Ender; 2 great-grandchildren, Justin and Hudson; brother, Rev. Robert (Lynn) Pasbrig; sister, Karen Peters; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Evelyn (nee Lachmund) Pasbrig; father-in-law, Lloyd Hansen; mother-in-law, Shirley Hansen; son, Christopher Pasbrig; and many aunts and uncles.

VISITATION: Jim’s family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 777 Indiana Ave., West Bend.

SERVICE: A memorial service will follow the visitation at the church at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be at Pinelawn Cemetery, Milwaukee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church’s Building Connection or Church music program.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, because the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jim’s arrangements. Additional information and Tribute Wall may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.