James B. Wagner

James B. Wagner
January 23, 1941 - February 11, 2024   

   When a father completes the sacred task of his journey here on Earth and finally steps into eternity, the angels in heaven rejoice. On Sunday morning, February 11, 2024, the heavens rang out with joy and the angels escorted James Bernard Wagner into eternity. James was born on January 23, 1941 to James A. and Mary Catherine (Durliat) Wagner on the homestead in Custar, Ohio.
   James attended St. Louis Catholic School and went on to graduate from Westwood High School in 1959. He enjoyed welding, woodworking, and industrial arts classes. During his childhood, he was a great worker on the farm, which was a passion that continued on and throughout his life. He talked often of his basketball and baseball days playing under coach Charlie Reynolds and referred to him often in his conversations and memories. 
   On July 21, 1962 he married Brenda K. Miller, his lifetime soulmate of 61 years, and the couple welcomed three children. In 1968, he began working for General Motors in Defiance, Ohio as a millwright until his retirement in 2006. His hardwork and dedication was shown in all he did.  Everything was a project and he put 100% effort into all he did. Jim had a love of gardening, woodworking, and collecting anything related to farm equipment.
   James served his community in many ways. He was a little league baseball coach for his son,  and was a dedicated member of St. Louis Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy, church choir member, and was on the finance committee for many years. For over 50 years he served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder for Custar and Milton Township. Next to his family, farming was his biggest love and gave him purpose in life.  
   He is survived by his wife, Brenda, and their children Lori (Gary) Woltmann, Todd (Lisa) Wagner, and Jodi (Jason) Serrato. His grandchildren include Megan (Evan) Woltmann-Geno, AJ Wagner, Katie (JJ) Rettig, Kelsey Wagner, Rylie Craig, and Sydney Craig, two step -grandchildren Alexandria Serrato and Ryan Serrato, his siblings Joyce (Jerry) Walker and John (Barb) Wagner, along with numerous nieces and nephews. His family brought so much joy to his life and he loved family cookouts and holiday get-togethers. You could always count on him sitting in the stands supporting his kids and grandkids. There wasn’t a football game, basketball game, musical, soccer game, cheerleading competition, or track meet that James ever missed.  
   James knew the very essence of love and the gentle grace of a giving heart. James never met a stranger and was a friend to all. To all the people he met and became friends with, James would say thank you for the great memories.
   A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Custar with Fr. Jeff Walker and Fr. Francis Mariadas officiating.   A fellowship luncheon will immediately follow the mass.  
   Family and friends will be received on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler with a Fireman’s Last Call Service at 7:00 p.m. and a rosary service at 7:45 p.m. in the funeral home.  Visitation will also be from 9-10 a.m., Friday at the church.
   The family suggests memorials to St. Louis Catholic Church Air Conditioning Fund, Milton Township Fire Department or Bridge Hospice.
   Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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