Jim Wagner

James Wagner, Jr. lived in Grand Rapids all of his life. It is the place he called home and the place where he created a lifetime full of memories with his family and friends. Jim was known for the way he cared about people and his friendly, outgoing nature enabled him to make friends with everyone he met. Although many people will miss having Jim as a close friend, he will hold a special place in the hearts and memories of those who knew him as a great grandfather, grandfather, father and husband.

1916 was a year full of excitement on all fronts. In science, Albert Einstein had just completed his theory of relativity, while in entertainment Charlie Chaplin signed a contract for an unprecedented $10,000 per week. The political scene, too, was dynamic as World War I raged through Europe. Amidst all of these events that came to define the era, James R. Wagner, Sr. and his wife, Famia (DeLonge), welcomed the birth of their son, James Jr., on October 26, 1916. Little Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan, where his parents had moved temporarily for work. Shortly after Jim turned one, the family of three moved back to Grand Rapids, settling on the north side of town. It was here that Jim was joined by his younger siblings, Lois and Gordon, and they all grew up together in the family home on Eleanor Street.

The Wagners were members of the Broadway Christian Reformed Church, and this strong Christian upbringing would become an important part of Jim's life. For education, he attended Fairmont Elementary School on Grand Rapids northeast side and graduated from Creston High School with the class of 1935. Jim then went on to attend Davis Technical School while also working at American Box Board in the Purchasing Department.

It was in high school that Jim met fellow classmate, Bea Noorthoek, and they became high school sweethearts. Their relationship continued to grow after graduation and they were happily married on April 14, 1938. At the time, the United States was in the throes of World War II, and Jim soon followed the same patriotic calling of many young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California, where he worked as a purchasing agent for the Navy, buying equipment and supplies for the war effort. Meanwhile, his new bride, Bea, made the long trek cross country to join him in California for a time. After his honorable discharge, however, they returned to Grand Rapids to start a family of their own. This blessed day came in November of 1948, when Jim and Bea adopted a baby daughter, Judy Rae or Jude as she was called, who was undoubtedly the shining beacon in their lives.

In 1950, Jim and Bea built a house at 2438 Union N.E., where they lovingly raised their daughter and spent many happy years together. The couple loved to entertain in their home and had many good friends to open their home too. One particular group of friends, which they called the "Gang", got together regularly on Saturday evenings for dinner and afterwards the men played cards while the ladies knitted and chit chat. They also enjoyed the company of their church friends and old classmates, who they kept in contact with over the years. Every one of them had a special place in Jim and Bea's heart and was deemed very important in their lives.

Jim was a devout Christian and his strong faith was a hallmark of his life. In the early 1950s, he and Bea were part of a group that helped found the Aberdeen Reformed Church on the corner of Aberdeen and Diamond N.E., which became their "church home." Jim was active in the church, serving as a Deacon and an Elder, and participated in the Christian Endeavors group for many years. For Jim and Bea, Sunday was God's day and they were always in church.

Jim made a living as a traveling salesman and represented many manufacturing and auto companies, including C.B. DeKorne and Internal Grinding Abrasive Co. Outgoing and friendly, Jim had a real knack for conversation and it never ceased to amaze his family how quickly he could engage in a meaningful conversation with a perfect stranger. What made Jim special though was that he cared about his customers, and called on them long after retirement age. In fact, he continued working part-time until he was 82. After their daughter Jude was grown, Jim would often times take Bea along when traveling for work. He had a motor home he drove and lived in while away and at times, they would go off the beaten path on a new adventure, where they could enjoy the scenery. Some of their favorite travels, though, were within Michigan to places like Hawatha Resort at Houghton Lake, Black River, Drummond Island and Lake Mitchell. Jim used to say he must have about a million miles under his belt from driving so much.

In 1973, Jim and Bea had the joy of becoming grandparents to their granddaughter, Meagan. She was the apple of "Bumpa's" eye and little Meagan loved her Bumpa too. As grandparents, they were later blessed with three great grandchildren, Mason, Meara and Jaden, who also held a special place in Bumpa's heart. Although Jim's life was happy, it was also marked with great sorrow. In 1984, his beloved wife, Bea, had a massive stroke and was hospitalized for quite some time. She later went to an extended care facility where Jim was vigilantly by her side three times a day to care for her. After sharing 55 wonderful years of marriage, Bea passed away in 1992.

Meanwhile, Jim found great comfort in longtime friend and fellow church member, Theola Wyma, who was a widow herself. A strong bond and companionship grew between the two and they were married in June of 1994. They spent the next 11 years together, loving, caring and supporting one another. Through this marriage, Jim also gained two stepchildren, Jim and Barbara, and their families, and he happily accepted them into his heart. Jim's happiest moments always involved the time he spent with his family and friends. Though, he also enjoyed fishing, cars, playing cards and board games, doing crossword puzzles, bowling on leagues with his friends and traveling whenever possible in his motor home.

Jim was a very compassionate and loving man, who embodied the true Christian spirit with his kind, generous personality and his strong sense of conviction. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

James R. Wagner Jr., age 89 of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack on Thursday, December 15, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Bea (Noorthoek) Wagner. Surviving is his wife, Theola Wyma-Wagner; his daughter and son-in-law, Jude and Earl Gemmen; his granddaughter, Meagan Williamson; his great grandchildren: Mason, Meara and Jaden; his step children: Jim and Jan Wyma, Barbara Wyma; several step grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brother, Gordon Wagner; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ruth and Vince VerWys, Shirley Noorthoek and Elaine Baarman; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral and committal services will be held on Monday, December 19, at 1 p.m. at Aberdeen Reformed Church, 1000 Aberdeen N.E., with Rev. Roger Eernisse and Rev. Rex Wilson officiating. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Mr. Wagner reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien - Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E., where relatives and friends may meet his family on Sunday, December 18, from 2 to 5 p.m and at Abderdeen Reformed Church on Monday from noon util the time of the funeral service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may leave a memory of Jim, sign the online register book or make a memorial contribution to Aberdeen Reformed Church.