James Brian DePolis Jr., age 29, of Spooner passed away unexpectedly on April 23, 2026. 

James was born on February 24, 1997 at Spooner Health System to parents Jim DePolis and Traci Donatell. Lovingly nicknamed, “our little Jamie,” he was always keeping us on our toes.

James graduated from Spooner High School in 2015 and worked hard to earn top grades, so he could attend his dream college, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. During the years he spent there, James studied social policy, with the hopes of using his knowledge to create change in the world that would help many people.

James had a passion for music and one of his favorite activities was going to concerts, especially Lady Gaga or Lana Del Rey. He enjoyed the meaning that he would find in lyrics and album cover art.

James’s passion for music led to a carefully and beautifully curated vinyl record collection by all his favorite artists. This is a collection his family will cherish forever as we listen to music and remember him.

James was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal great grandparents, and his grandfather Charles Donatell.

He is survived by his mother, Traci DePolis (Ryan LaPorte) and father, Jim DePolis; sister, Jenna (Mackenzie) Curtis; brother, Brandon (Rachel) DePolis; sister, Brittany (Tyler) Briggs; nephews, Henry and Benjamin Curtis; beloved grandmother, Carla Donatell; grandmother, Sherry (Art) Thompson; grandfather, Jim DePolis Sr., and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who all loved him dearly.

James will be remembered for his loving heart, kindness, and wondrous mind that understood the world in a way that was uniquely him. We hope in our hearts he has found peace and will let the light that his life was to us, live on in ours forever.

We will be having a private family funeral.

Last Update: Apr 27, 2026 9:04 am CDT