James "Jim" Manton Schaut

James Manton Schaut, affectionately known as Jim, 59, passed away unexpectedly on June 12th, 2024, at his home in the Town of Buchanan. Jim was born in Norway, Michigan on April 1st, 1965, to Bernice Beyers and James Schaut. He spent his early childhood growing up in Burkett, Texas, a place he held dear to his heart. He graduated from Niagara High School in 1983 and went on to earn his Criminal Justice degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, graduating in 1985. 

Jim was hired at the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department in February of 1986. He was passionate about his career for 32 years, receiving three Officer of the Year awards and many letters of commendation and personal thank you notes from those he served. Jim retired from the Sheriff’s Department in February of 2018. He valued the law and always thought it was a privilege to serve his community as a deputy sheriff. 

On December 31st, 1997, Jim married the love of his life, Sheryl. Over the years they enjoyed spending countless hours together, from drinking coffee on a Saturday morning to more recently driving down to Madison to visit their girls. No matter what they did, they always had fun. Jim was a humble man who enjoyed the simple things in life. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, Emily (24) and Isabelle (23). His family was the center of his world. Jim’s two girls were his pride and joy. He relished in their achievements and always looked forward to spending time with them. He enjoyed camping trips with his family, Top Gun movie nights, family dinners, and visiting his sisters and family in Niagara. Jim’s hobbies included lifting weights, grilling a good barbeque pork chop, reading, yardwork, and a good debate with his mother in-law, Joan. He brought a smile to so many faces just by the sound of his laugh. 

Jim was a very faithful Christian, who devoted himself to serving the Lord and sharing the Lord’s word with the ones he loved. He dedicated time every day to reading the Bible and valued his relationship with God. 

Jim’s memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his wife Sheryl; his children, Emily and Isabelle; his three sisters, Jamie Schaut, Jeanné (VJ) Constantineau, and Melody Schaut; his father in-law and mother in-law, Richard and Joan Leitner; his brother in-law’s, Brad Leitner and his wife Christie, and Steve Leitner; his nieces and nephews, Robert Schaut, Jessica Schaut, Tara Murray, Troy Lafave, and Adam Leitner. Jim was proceeded in death by his beloved mother, Bernice, and numerous aunts and uncles who he loved dearly. 

Jim’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jean and Rick Renard and their family, who have been a constant through this difficult time. Jim, Sheryl, and the girls all value their family and their friendship. We would also like to thank the amazing officers from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department for their kindness and support during this difficult time. 

A visitation will be held from 4-7 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm on Thursday, June 20th at Wichmann Tri-County Chapel, 1592 S Oneida St, Appleton, Wisconsin.

Jim not only loved God, his family, and his job, but he also cared about his country and kids. If you feel so inclined, please donate to his favorite charities, Tunnels to Towers or St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Jim’s memory.