James Louis Nerenhausen

James Louis Nerenhausen, 28, of Oconto, Wisconsin, passed away on February 19th, 2026. 

If you knew James, you could often find him at a local fishing hole. In his younger years, James could be found wherever his Papa Pete was, until Grandma Elin hollered that the chili was done. James was the first one at the table on days she made chili.

James was born in Green Bay, WI, to Cindy Nerenhausen Coggon and Paul Smith on August 14, 1997. James attended school in Oconto, WI.

James was so proud to be a dad to his daughter, Tiffany. Some of his favorite memories with her were playing the game Memory, coloring, and going to the park. One thing they did together that he talked about often was coloring eggs. James always did his best to make sure she knew she was loved and had what she needed. James had a deep love for fishing. He had a very big heart and was willing to help anyone who needed it. James had a louder-than-life laugh. His personality was certainly one of a kind. James always blamed his grandpa Pete for his love of gambling, especially at Crivello's with his Aunt Amy. One of James favorite meals was cheesy potato soup with extra extra cheese that his Aunt Linda made him. James usually started his day by making sure his mom was doing ok; his biggest concern was that her blood sugar was low. He often would make her breakfast, so he knew she had a good meal to start the day. James was very proud to be an uncle to his nephew Zamari, who was his little buddy! 

James spent the last 2 years working at Dockside in Oconto. He genuinely loved working there; he was so proud the day he got promoted to fry cook. His brother William and Sister Leah will forever hold many special memories they shared forever in their hearts. James spent many weekends as a kid at his uncle Kent and aunt Julie's house. James especially enjoyed his time with his cousin Byron.

James is survived by his mother, Cindy Nerenhausen Coggen (Jason) of Oconto, WI; Father Paul Smith of Marinette, WI; Daughter, Tiffany Stevens of Oconto Falls, WI; Brother, William Nerenhausen of Oconto, WI; Sister, Leah Nerenhausen of New Glarus, WI; Nephew, Zamari of Oconto, WI; Aunt Linda Marnocha(Mike) of Pulaski, WI; Aunt Amy White(Tom) of Oconto, WI; Uncle, Dan Nerenhausen of Coleman, WI; Uncle, Kent Smith(Julie) of Crivitz, WI; Uncle, Danny Smith of Crivitz WI; Aunt Wendy Holmes of Peshtigo, WI; Aunt Kimmy Burger(Jerry) of Apache Junction, AZ; Aunt Becky Smith of Appleton, WI; Cousin, Jacob Donlevy of Ixonia, WI; Cousin, Stephanie Bauer(Ryan) of Greenfield, WI; Cousin, Melissa Donlevy of Pulaski, WI; Cousin, Kayla White of Green Bay, WI; Cousin, Austin White(Jada) of Oconto WI; a very special cousin, Byron Smith of Marinette, WI; Many great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.

James is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, Peter and Elin Nerenhausen; his Uncle, Joseph Nerenhausen; his paternal grandparents, Dean and Marybeth Smith, as well as some aunts, uncles, and cousins.

James will be deeply missed by so many, including his dog Winter, who was by his side when he passed.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. When the date is set, his mother will put an update on Facebook.