James J. Wilhelm

James J. Wilhelm age 66, of Holgate died Friday afternoon at Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

His Legacy… He was born June 28, 1945 to Alvin and Elsie (Bostelman) Wilhelm in Defiance. Jim graduated from Holgate High School in 1963. He received his Associates Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Zoe Bible College. Jim is a Vietnam veteran serving his country in the Navy on the USS Essex. For the last 28 years, he was a Building Maintenance Supervisor for the State of Ohio. On November 7, 1992 he married Susan Nelson at Living Word Fellowship, Stryker. He was a member of Christ Community Church in Ridgeville Corners, where he was an elder for 18 years. Jim was a member of the Henry County Ham Radio Club and played league softball. He was a military and history buff and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking and spending time with his family.

His Family… he is survived by his loving wife Susan; son, Aaron (Alicia) Haliena, Hilliard; daughter, Sara (Elias) Salaz, Defiance; 2 grandchildren, Gabriel and Elias Salaz, III; his twin brother, John (Donna) Wilhelm, Wauseon; and sisters, Nelda (Larry) Irving, Napoleon and Jane Rosebauer, Holgate. He was preceded in death by his parents.