James Melvin Sesvold

James Melvin Sesvold, 63, of Manitowoc, passed away on October 27, 2026. He was born on October 28, 1962 to Raymond Sesvold and Sharon Ziegelbauer.

James worked as a Chrome Plater at Federal Mogul for 25 years. Then, he moved on to working at the local ice cream parlor in Manitowoc as a Set-Up Technician before his retirement at 60. After his retirement, James would still work an odd job or two to help out friends, family, and neighbors. His favorite odd-job was being able to use his John Deere lawn mower. He was known for his selfless and kindhearted nature. He carried an antique air compressor with him everywhere, just in case he came across someone who had a flat tire and needed a hand; but not without giving them a hard time first. He knew no strangers.

James loved bonfires, brats and beer, and shooting the shit. He loved soaking up the sun in his backyard while enjoying ferns and nature around him. Everyone knew that once you were on the phone with Jim, you could expect at least a three hour phone call, plus his endless jokes. Even though his siblings were scattered around the States, he would always jokingly tell them that they need to come back to "America" (aka Wisconsin).

James was proud to carry down the family tradition of becoming a Master Plumber, something his grandfather happily instilled into him. During his career, he was given the opportunity to travel the United States. His favorite places to visit were Savannah, Georgia and the Dakotas.

Above everything, family was most important to James. He had an especially close relationship to his grandmother, Gladys. She taught him how to cook home style meals. Throughout his life, as he was traveling and making memories, he always missed home cooked meals. James adored his great nieces and nephews, along with his brother Jerry. They would bring cake and ice cream to family cook outs, just to tell them, "Now you need to have that for breakfast tomorrow!"

James was a lifelong Elvis fan. He loved listening to his music and putting on performances. He was also a movie and TV fan, he especially loved James Bond (he would refer to himself as "Double O Something"), Romcoms, and Blue Bloods.

Throughout his entire life, James had a deep love for animals. He told endless stories of his childhood dog, Shep, who protected the family and farm growing up; along with his cat, Princess. James and Princess had a special bond, one which he never forgot.

James is survived by his loving daughter, Natalie (Jonathan) Sesvold; his siblings: Colleen "Kelly" Juarez and Julie (James) Larscheid; and his sister-in-law, Joyce Sesvold. James is further survived by his great nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Sesvold and Sharon Ziegelbauer; his siblings: Jeff Sesvold, Jack Sesvold, Joel Sesvold, and Jerry Sesvold; and his brother-in-law, Richard Juarez.

A Celebration of Life to honor James will take place on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home (340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54301).

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