09/09/2005

Notification of Death - James Edward Wise

September 6, 2005

OFDA received word this afternoon about the death of James Edward Wise. Jim died Tuesday, September 6, 2005 at the age of 92.

Jim was born in Bucyrus to the late Joseph D. and Olive (Geyer) Wise. He was a lifelong resident, graduating in 1929 from Bucyrus High School. He then graduated from The Ohio State University in 1933 with a business major. While at Ohio State he was a member of TBDBITL; President of Sigma Nu Fraternity and was the manager for the OSU golf team. In 1937 he completed his education at the Cleveland College of Embalming. On October 9, 1938 he married Virginia Warner and continued his career in the family furniture/funeral business in which he devoted 67 years of his life.

In addition to serving families, Jim took great pride in the community by actively participating with many organizations. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bucyrus; Bucyrus Rotary Club; the Bucyrus Y.M.C.A. and the former Y's Mens Club; local Shrine & Masonic bodies; OFDA; Bucyrus Country Club; served as a trustee on Oakwood Cemetery Board for over 50 years; member of the 134th Field Artillery Band National Guard; former member of Bucyrus City Band; former board member & honorary life member Salvation Army; AAA Board for many years.

In 1998 Jim and Virginia served as Grand Marshall's at the Bratwurst Festival. He enjoyed time with his family and friends; parties he and Virginia had attended in the past and his mornings with the "Rusty Zippers".

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Virginia who died February 2, 2005 and a brother William J. Wise.

He is survived by three children Edward J. (Joan) Wise of Bucyrus, Dorothy V. Wise of Dayton; William A. (Louise) Wise of Columbia, SC; four grandchildren, David (Susan) Wise, Andrea Wise, Carmen (Dan) Leffler, Jason (Elizabeth) Wise; five great-grandchildren Jillian and Michael Wise, Zack Neidermier, Gavin Leffler and Bethany Wise; and a niece Elnora (Bill) Dixon of Milipitas, California.

The family will receive friends from 12 Noon 5:00 PM Sunday, September 11, 2005 at Wise Funeral Home. The funeral will be held 11:00 AM Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bucyrus with the Rev. Don L. Neumann officiating. Interment to follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church; Bucyrus Area Community Foundation or The Salvation Army through the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.wisefuneral.com