James A. Tochterman

Jim was born on March 15, 1937 in Green Bay, WI the son of Johanna Vaessen and Robert Tochterman. He was a Medical Sales Rep and traveled the entire UP for Whittaker General Medical Corporation up until he retired at age 61.

Following retirement, he enjoyed driving for Riverside Ford transporting cars to various dealerships.

Jim was instrumental in starting the Escanaba Area Junior Hockey Association. He started his hockey involvement in Green Bay Youth Hockey and the Green Bay Bobcats semi pro league. Jim and his 4 siblings were part of the same team leading the world record for the most siblings on a single team. He also refereed and coached the Elks Squirt travel team and also the House League. He even participated in the Senior Men’s league, being the oldest man to play at 50. Jim also was involved in the figure skating organization. He skated with all his daughters.

Jim was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. He stated the best purchase he ever made was at the age of 19 when he bought his season tickets.

Over the years, Jim enjoyed supporting all the local sports teams, particularly the ones his children and grandchildren played in. He umpired and helped coach little league softball and was even attending Gladstone sporting events up until last month. The Athletic Director always made sure he had a chair to get the best view.

He was united in marriage to Judy Papas on September 16, 1991. They enjoyed many wonderful years together. Their favorite being visiting Disney World for the last 35 years.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Judy, children: Jodi (Tony) Westerberg, Lori (Steve) Swanson, Kristi (Ken) Tedford, Rob (Carol) Mata, Stephanie (Chris) Lindley, Jamie (Tonya) Mata, Anne Marie (Scott) Sliva, and Matt Papas, grand children: Todd (Courtney) Ruatti, Nick Olsen, Olivia (Sean Greeneway) Olsen, Noah Olsen, Kenny Tedford, Ryan Swanson, Eli (Cindy Mendoza) Lindley, Charlie Diez, Hannah (David) Aguirre, Jack Mata, Elizabeth Mata, Maddie (Jon) Gildner , Kennedy (Ryan Denha) Sliva, Dallas Sliva, great grandchildren: Tripp, Tucker, Noelle, Natalia and David. Siblings: George Tochterman, Bob (Yvonne) Tochterman, and Matt (Barb) Tochterman and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings: John (Dee) Tochterman, Tom Tochterman, Bill Tochterman, Dorothy Scheffen, and sister-in-law Arlene Tochterman.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from noon until 2:00 PM at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. A service will follow visiting hours at 2:00 PM with Pastor Terri Branstrom officiating. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Tochterman family.