Remembering James ‘Jim’ Snyder
James ‘Jim’ Snyder
December 10, 1934 – January 10, 2026
Memorial Service
A service honoring Jim’s life will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church in Muskego, Wisconsin on January 23, 2026.
Visitation will be from 10am-11am.
Memorial Service 11am-12pm
Luncheon following the service.
Atonement Lutheran Church
S70W16244 Martin Dr
Muskego, WI 53150
Obituary
James Robert Snyder, known to all as Jim, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, surrounded by family after a brief illness. He was 91 years old.
Jim’s life was marked by remarkable resilience, kindness and a quiet, thoughtful demeanor that endeared him to everyone who knew him.
Jim was born on December 10, 1934, in Michigan City, Indiana, the eldest of seven children born to Norman and Olga Snyder. Growing up with five younger sisters, Jim learned early on that actions often spoke louder than words. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a remarkable ability to listen and a deep, unwavering kindness that left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Determined to pursue higher education, Jim worked his way through college, enlisted in the Navy, and worked as a caddy and groundskeeper at the Michigan City Municipal Golf Course. He attended several universities across Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, ultimately graduating from Marquette University in Milwaukee earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
During his college years, Jim interned at Whirlpool in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where he tested and troubleshot new washer and dryer designs. After graduation, he began his professional career at Louis Allis in Milwaukee, which later became Magnetek. Jim spent much of his career in the Elevator Drive Systems Division, traveling the world to troubleshoot elevator systems for some of the company’s largest clients. His expertise and calm demeanor made him a trusted colleague and friend.
Upon his retirement, Jim stayed active, not only reconnecting with colleagues from his career with the LADS group but also embracing new experiences. He joined the Gluten Free Trading Post in Bay View, where he stocked shelves and fulfilled orders. This job allowed him to spend time at his daughter’s house nearby, offering a helping hand with various repairs.
Jim met the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy) Tabbert, in Milwaukee, and they were married on November 21, 1964. They shared 60 years of love, laughter and adventure before Sandy’s passing in May 2025. Their bond was built on a shared love of golf, travel and the simple joy of each other’s company. Together, they spent years playing golf across the country, participating in leagues, and snow birding in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
An avid do-it-yourselfer long before DIY was a trend, Jim was a practical man who believed in fixing things himself. Over the 50 years he and Sandy lived in Muskego, he taught their three daughters not just how to drive manual cars and change tires but also how to approach life with initiative and resourcefulness.
Jim was also passionate about learning. Whether reading books, watching PBS or listening to public radio, he constantly sought to expand his knowledge and share it with others. Family vacations were a highlight of his life — driving and camping across the country, visiting national parks, historical sites, and relatives. He also welcomed AFS exchange students into his home, building lasting friendships with students like Viviane Barcelos from Brazil, who became like family to him.
In 2015, Jim and Sandy moved to Tudor Oaks Retirement Community in Muskego, where Jim quickly became an active participant. He spent many hours in the “man cave,” continuing his woodworking hobby, and joined the Cave Man Vintners, a wine-making group known for its rhubarb wine. Jim also served for several years as the head of the can-crushing committee, collecting and crushing aluminum cans from throughout the community to benefit the Ronald McDonald House and support Tudor Oaks’ Entertainment Committee.
Jim’s family and friends will remember him for his boundless love, patience and generosity. He is survived by his daughters, Julie Snyder, Kathryn (Tom) Goral and Leslie (Mario) Solis; his granddaughters, Sadie and Madalyn Goral; his dear “daughter from Brazil,” Viviane Barcelos; his siblings, nieces and nephews.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Tudor Oaks for their unwavering care, support and compassion. You became like family to us, and your kindness will always be remembered with heartfelt gratitude.
Memorial Gifts
The family would like to encourage donations to American Diabetes Association, PBS or the Tudor Oaks Employee Fund in lieu of flowers.