James Wiseman

With a journey that spanned times of war and peace, plenty and want, grief and joy, James Wiseman kept his heart fixed on what mattered most through it all. All who were lucky enough to meet him quickly came to know and love his quick wit and booming, contagious laugh. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim’s family was his greatest source of pride and joy. He never shied away from speaking his mind, though he always did so in love, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Already so dearly missed, Jim will be forever cherished by those who knew him best.

The early 1940s are remembered as very dark years as WWII raged. The United States entered the war in December of 1941, calling many brave servicemen away from home. Those who remained stateside faced strict rationing and supported the war effort in any way they could while anxiously waiting by their radios for news. During this troubling time, however, James and Dorothy (Tiggleman) Wiseman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, could find happiness and hope as they awaited the arrival of their first child. It was on December 31, New Year’s Eve of 1942, that their son was born. Affectionately named after his father, James Brian Wiseman would soon become an older brother to his sister, Kathy, and his two brothers, Greg and Terry.

Growing up, Jim was a typical young man of his generation in many ways, and he always looked back on his childhood with fondness. He was very close to his father and his maternal grandparents, and it was said that he got his sense of humor from his Grandpa Tiggleman. Jim attended St. Alphonsus Church and School. He was a very active boy and loved playing baseball, whether it was on a field or in the street. During the summer, the Wiseman family would sometimes rent a cottage on Big Star Lake, the backdrop for many happy memories. When Jim was nearly a teenager, he and his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in search of better weather for various illnesses. Jim played baseball in high school, excelling as an athlete. He began working local jobs, including at a Standard gas station and as a bagger in a grocery store.

Just a few years after graduating from high school, Jim moved back to Grand Rapids. He lived with his grandparents for a time before settling down on his own. Jim then started down the road that would eventually lead him to become a welder. He worked for a variety of companies, including Carteria, VanDam Metal Works, HF Cox, and finally Steelcase. He spent 29 years building his career at Steelcase. Whenever work was slow, Jim would pick up extra work on the side. For a time, he even helped an acquaintance run a candle carving business. At the age of 55, Jim retired from Steelcase but continued working part time as a shuttle driver. He loved getting to chat with his passengers.

Exciting changes were in store for Jim as he met the remarkable young woman who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Barbara Karston, and the two were first introduced by mutual friends at a party. They dated on and off for the next eight years, falling deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Jim and Barb were married at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on October 2, 1970. After a reception at Barb’s parents’ house, the newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to Quebec, Canada, in the beloved ‘68 Mustang.

Of all the things Jim loved in life, there was nothing he treasured more than his family. He and Barb were overjoyed to welcome their twin children, Michele and James, into their hearts and home. Jim thrived in his role as a father, and he was a strict but fair disciplinarian who also loved to have fun. The Wiseman family made their home on Rockbluff, where there was plenty of room for Jim to maintain his cars. They also carried on the Wiseman tradition of renting a cottage on Big Star Lake. Jim enjoyed fishing with the kids. Later in life, he was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. Jim adored his grandchildren, and he never missed a game, event, or special occasion. He even introduced his grandson, Jacob, to the world of flying, inspiring his future career.

Anyone who knew Jim would surely know about his lifelong love for cars. After moving back to Grand Rapids in 1963, he became a member of a Corvair car club and would buy a new one each year. Jim enjoyed racing his Sprite car at Johnson Park. He was very mechanically skilled and liked working on his own cars, and he restored and maintained his most prized possession, his ‘68 Mustang.

When he wasn’t working on his cars, Jim could be found taking care of his yard. He and Barb loved spending time with each other and their friends. In his retirement years, Jim and Barb enjoyed traveling all around the country. They also took snowmobile trips to the Upper Peninsula every year, and their favorite trip was a European tour to see many of the historical WWII sites. Jim had a huge interest in history, and he tuned into the weather on TV every day. He loved music and all kinds of seafood but especially seafood. Jim was the kind of guy who would talk to anyone, and no one was a stranger for long.

As family and friends will certainly agree, James Wiseman truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A dedicated family man, Jim always made sure to hold his loved ones close. With his solid work ethic and mischievous spirit, he knew how to both work hard and play hard, and his kindness and sincerity left an impact on all. Although he will be deeply missed, Jim leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

James Brian Wiseman, age 82 of Comstock Park, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 11, 2025. Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara; their children Michele (Jeff) Klein and James & Kelli Wiseman; grandchildren Kaitlynn (Michael) DeVowe, Jacob Klein, Georgia and Laci Wiseman; great-grandchildren Levi, Nicholas, Evelyn and Reagan; brother, Greg (Diana) Wiseman; as well as several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Wnuk, and brother, Terry Wiseman.

Friends are invited to visit with his family on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 3-6 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. There will be a time of memory sharing beginning at 6 PM.