Jim’s faith in God was the cornerstone of his life. He served in many different church roles and on numerous church committees, cementing his dedication to being a lifelong, faithful servant. Jim was called home to the good Lord on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Stein Hospice in Sandusky at the age of 77 years old.
Jim spent his working hours for 60+ years at the family farm and Dutch Maid. He was not afraid to get his hands in the dirt but also cleaned up well and served on many professional boards.
In addition to faith and farming, family was the focus of Jim’s life. He spent countless evenings at the football field or the gym watching his grandchildren play sports. He loved to spend time with his boys doing his favorite hobbies which included hunting, golfing, and fly fishing. His love for sports and people was exemplified while coaching girls basketball alongside his dear friend Barry Pfahl. Jim was a natural leader and coach where he not only influenced the girls in sports, but shared lessons on life and faith that carried on to shape their adult lives. An added bonus was being able to coach a few of his granddaughters and share those lessons with them as well.
Jim is remembered lovingly by his wife Gayle Wiers (Bonnema), his sons Dean (Pam), Darren (Allison), David (Lori), grandchildren Annalyse (Tyler and daughter Cora), Graham, Hannah, Chloe, Cooper (Katie), Julia, Owen, Carson, Camryn, his brother Edward (Grace) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friend Barry Pfahl.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Tress Wiers.
In an email written prior to surgery to remove the tumor Jim expressed his thoughts: “PLEASE be assured that I am very comfortable with whatever God’s plan is for me! If God’s plan is heaven sooner, then y’all be good and I’ll see you when it’s time! Love, Jim”
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following organizations:
Hospice of the Western Reserve - https://p2p.onecause.com/hwrgift/donate
Bibles for India -https://missionindia.org/ways-to-give/
Calling hours will be on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Willard Christian Reformed Church from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Jim’s funeral will be on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Willard Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Caleb Harper officiating. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven at 10:00 a.m. for family. Online condolences can be made to Jim’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Bev Ganni - Sep 19, 2024
Ed and all of Jim’s family, I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. I think it ran in your family! God bless each of you and hold you close thru this difficult time. Prayers and hugs.
Keith Willoughby - Sep 19, 2024
When I think of Jim, I think of the song “When Peace, Like a River” (aka “It is Well With My Soul”) because of how he lived his life. I first met Jim in April 1984 when hired by Dutch Maid. I”ll always remember my first annual review with him, as it shaped the way I approached work the rest of my years at Dutch Maid and with the Federal Gov’t. Truly some of the best advice I ever received. To Gayle, Dean, Darren, David, and family, may your faith in Christ help ease your sorrow.
Dave and Laurie - Sep 18, 2024
We are so sorry Gayle. You and Jim were special people in my life, we will miss him. I always have known him as a man of God with a big smile…always enjoyed talking with him after church! May the peace and power of God overwhelm you in the coming days. Love Dave and Laurie
Rod Mauszycki - Sep 17, 2024
I'm very sorry about your loss. I always enjoyed my conversations with Jim. Still remember the "bear" story from the last time we spoke. He is a great man and will be missed.
Peggy Opatken - Sep 17, 2024
May Jim rest in peace. Prayers for Gayle and family
Thermo King of Delphos - Sep 17, 2024
Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences. Jim was one of the best and we will always remember him in that way. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Erin Peterson - Sep 17, 2024
Wiers family, my prayers are with you through this difficult loss. Jim was a kind soul and I am grateful for knowing him and your family. God bless you all.
Don Tschanen - Sep 16, 2024
My sincere condolences to Ed and Jim’s family.
John and Sonia - Sep 16, 2024
Gayle and family. We love you dear cousins. Praying that God will comfort you in the loss and bring joy in many happy memories. One special memory I have of your husband, dad and grandpa is when he was a youth leader at church. I was in high school and his input in that group made a big difference in my life. I’m so grateful for that time. Later in life he reminded me more and more of my dad. Faithful to serve his family, church, and family business. May God bless you all as you carry on that most excellent heritage.
John and Sonia - Sep 16, 2024
Gayle and family. We love you dear cousins. Praying that God will comfort you in the loss and bring joy in many happy memories. One special memory I have of your husband, dad and grandpa is when he was a youth leader at church. I was in high school and his input in that group made a big difference in my life. I’m so grateful for that time. Later in life he reminded me more and more of my dad. Faithful to serve his family, church, and family business. May God bless you all as you carry on that most excellent heritage.
Lisa - Sep 16, 2024
Gayle - I was so sad to hear the news about Jim. I always loved talking to him about sports. He was a great icon for the entire community!
Tom Odenweller - Sep 15, 2024
It's no surprise that Jim wrote that he was comfortable with God's plan. What a beautiful message. I'll pray that the love you shared and the memories of Jim's life will help all of you during this very difficult time.
Sherry Long - Sep 15, 2024
What a beautiful picture of Jim! I still see him in my memories passing out gum to the Lady Flashes basketball players. He was a wonderful man who knew where he was going and what it would take to get there. I am very sorry for his family’s loss.
Douglas Baker - Sep 15, 2024
To the Wiers family. What great man! Jim was always friendly, whenever I would see him. My daughter played basketball, while Jim was coaching. She always spoke highly of Coach Wiers. RIP Jim. I hope you see you again in heaven.
Linda Veletean - Sep 15, 2024
My heart breaks for all of you.
Scott - Sep 15, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gayle and the family. All I can say is what a soldier of Christ in devotion to family and community. I salute you Jim! God Bless, Scott Arndt
Shirley and Bill Gates - Sep 15, 2024
Such a kind friend and wonderful classmate sympathy to his Family.
Tom & Lucy Hay - Sep 15, 2024
Prayers go out to a great family. Jim always had a smile everyone, and kind word. God bless
Mitch Simmons - Sep 15, 2024
Thoughts and prayers for the Wiers family!
Eric - Sep 15, 2024
Jim is the one man that while in Heaven leaves a huge hole for so many! To my family he was a friend, a mentor and someone I leaned on when life was throwing curve balls. His practical well thought advice laced with his unwavering faith always put life into perspective. And brought light to the darkness. Heaven won on this one. But he will live as a part of us forever. Rest in Peace my friend!
Teri - Sep 15, 2024
Thoughts are with Gayle and all the family and friends who knew Jim. He gave so much to so many and us now resting in peace in heaven. It’s a comfort to know he is cheering and coaching up there now. Such a good man who will be missed by those who loved him. Peace be with you all….
Rosie and Gregg - Sep 15, 2024
Gayle, we will forever remember our vacation together in Costa Rica. Please know of our deepest sympathy as we extend our love to you and the Wiers family.
Ray Ward - Sep 15, 2024
My condolences to all the family 🙏🏻
Kathy - Sep 15, 2024
Gayle and family you have my deepest condolences. Jim was a good man. What a great example he set for everyone. I will miss seeing him when looking down from the balcony at church knowing we lost another good one. Find peace in knowing he is rejoicing in Heaven with so many loved ones. Love you all.
Chuck and Sherry Wolfe - Sep 15, 2024
Gayle and family, we are so sorry for your loss. He showed much kindness and guidance to our daughter during basketball. We are very thankful for that. Hugs and prayers to you all. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you.
John - Sep 15, 2024
Jim was the source of many fond memories in the playground of the Christian school. My condolences to Jim family and to his brother Ed.
Jack and Pam Milligan - Sep 14, 2024
Jack and I are so saddened at the passing of our friend. Praying that the family feels His peace and comfort.
Henry DeLeeuw - Sep 14, 2024
I so enjoyed hunting with Jim and all the other Wiers boys in Coudersport PA. What a reunion it will be when we all meet again in the presence of Jesus. Glorious day!
Debrah and Hershel Rowe - Sep 14, 2024
So sorry for your loss, Jimmy was a wonderful man. He will be missed. He was a great example for the younger generations and a godly man too. Heaven sure gained a beautiful soul. Prayers going up for your family .
John and Audrey - Sep 14, 2024
Dear Gayle and Family, John and I both want to extend our condolences to all of you. Know that we are holding you up in prayer as you grieve the loss of Jim and all that he was to you , the church, and the community! Trust God’s promise of eternal life and the knowledge that you will be reunited again. May God comfort and encourage you during this very sad time.
Jim & Jackie Ratliff - Sep 14, 2024
Gayle & family, Jim was a wonderful man and will be missed greatly. We enjoyed all the many great trips together to football and basketball games when Jason & Dean were in high school. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayer.
Jackie Eckstein - Sep 14, 2024
To all of Jim's family, please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. As you know, Jim was an amazing man. What he taught the girls on the basketball teams was much more than basketball techniques. He taught togetherness, trust, honesty, faith, confidence, self-worth and so many other things that showed the young ladies what life was really all about. He touched so many lives in a positive way throughout Willard and surrounding areas. He will be truly missed. I hope you all find some comfort and peace in knowing that he is now wrapped in the loving arms of our Lord.
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Sep 14, 2024
May God wrap his loving arms around your family and give you peace during this sad time.
