James ‘Pinto’ Pintarelli

James was born June 30, 1957, in Crystal Falls, son of the late John C. and Mary E. (Brey) Pintarelli.

He graduated from Forest Park High School in 1975 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts from Northern Michigan University in 1979.

Pinto taught in Little Chute and Antigo prior to taking a teaching position with the Menominee Indian School District in 1985.

He began his career as an industrial arts teacher at the Menominee Indian Jr/Sr High School and retired on June 30, 2013, as the technical education teacher, specializing in automotive technology, wood shop, and metals. Pinto continued to substitute teach throughout his retirement.

He married Julie Conley on June 1, 1996, in Las Vegas.

For 28 years Pinto was a guiding light for students and staff in the district. His teaching went far beyond technical skills and he had a unique ability to make every student feel seen and valued. His humor filled the hallways, bringing joy to those around him, while his compassion created a welcoming environment where students could grow personally and academically.

Pinto’s light-hearted demeanor and sense of humor were well-known and beloved by all who knew him. He had a remarkable way of using laughter to bridge gaps, lift spirits, and make even the most challenging days brighter.

His compassion touched the lives of countless students, encouraging them to believe in their potential. The lessons he taught in the woodshop and the lessons he taught about kindness, generosity, and the importance of finding joy in everyday moments, will always be remembered.

Outside of school, Pinto loved going to auctions and rummage sales. He was a flea market vendor and a member of the Customs & Classics Car Club in Shawano. He enjoyed watching football and was an avid Detroit Lions Fans.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; two sons, Jon Gardebrecht of Suring, Wis. and Jamey (Heather) Garbe of Nixa, Mont.; a daughter, Stacey Gardebrecht of Minneapolis; two brothers, John Pintarelli and Chester (Pam) Pintarelli, both of Crystal Falls; a sister, Mary Louise Pintarelli of Crystal Falls; a grandson, Tristian (Amanda) Cook; two great-grandchildren, Josephine and Kinsley; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Vicki (Paul) Reybrock, Rebecca Spaulding, Kathy Zielinski, Tony Zielinski and Marilyn Pintarelli; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Pinto was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Jerry Pintarelli and a sister-in-law, Chris Zielinski.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. The Funeral Mass will follow at noon at Guardian Angels Catholic Church. Fr. Daniel Dapaah will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship will be established in James’ memory.

Condolences to the family of James Pintarelli may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with arrangements.