James L Aplin

Potter WI

James L. Aplin, age 81, of Potter, died on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton.  James was born on July 15, 1941, son of Raymond and Ruth (Bettner) Aplin.  

After graduating from Brillion High School, James worked at a couple of auto mechanic places around the area.  He found his future bride while working on her dad’s car in the shop.  James married Audrey Miller on July 6, 1963 at St. Mary Catholic Church now known as Good Shepherd Church in Chilton.  James is a current member of Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church in Potter.  

After the couple married and started their family, James started working at the Brillion Iron Works and stayed working as maintenance until his retirement.  James enjoyed watching his family grow, going to the sporting events of both his children and grandchildren, and taking a stroll around town in his free time.  He looked forward to Wednesday’s with his card club playing sheepshead with his neighborhood crew.  He was a kind hearted man who enjoyed being around people and telling his jokes.  

While always having a love to take a drive on his motorcycle he really started to take some time enjoying his Heritage Soft Tail Harley after his retirement.  James put on many miles over the years seeing the sites that came his way, even trailering to Arizona to put miles on during the winter months when riding is not ideal in Wisconsin.   James also made time for the occasional fishing trip to Canada.  

James is survived by his children:  Jeff (Sara) Aplin, Tracy Aplin, Nathan Aplin, and Nicole Aplin; grandchildren, Seth Aplin and special friend Alonnie and Alyssa (Harry) Aplin-Booth; sisters, Bonnie (Ken) Monty and Darlene (Jerome) Mertz; sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 
James is preceded in death by his wife, parents, siblings: Eugene, Betty, Delores, Jerome, and Janice.  

Funeral services will be at 5:30 PM on Friday, June 2, 2023 at Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church (181 Main St.) in Potter with Rev. Dr. Marc Axelrod officiating.  A time for visitation will be held at church prior to the service from 2:30 PM until 5:15 PM. To watch a livestream of the service, see a recording of it in the future, watch a memorial video in honor of James, or to view flowers given to the family, please click HERE

A memorial fund has been established in the name of, James L. Aplin.