James Wernke

In Loving Memory of James E. "Jimmy" Wernke

James E. Wernke, also known as Jimmy, age 89, of Harrison, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026. He was born on May 21, 1936, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

James was the devoted husband of the late Jerilynn Wernke and was previously married to his first wife, Betsy, who preceded him in death. Betsy was the loving mother of his sons, and together they made many unforgettable memories over the years. He is also survived by his sister, Mary "Mary Kay" "Wink" DeBruler (née Wernke).

James was the loving father of Jeff (Amy) Wernke, Jerry (Sandy) Wernke, John (Tammy) Wernke, Jody (Aimee) Wernke, Gregg (Paula) Guenther, and Carrie (Kevin) Brown.

He was the proud grandfather of Justin Wernke, James (Victoria) Wernke, Kelsey (Corey) Olive, Jessica (Matthew) Schneider, Jenna Wernke, Kaila (Ted) Smith, Jerred Wernke, Max Wernke, Maddie Wernke, Sarah (Stile) Moore, Justin (Kari) Volz, Alex Brown, and Andrew (Courtney) Brown; and the doting great grandfather of Maisie Moore, Sophia Wernke, Alexa West, Macy West, Brooklyn Wernke, Caleb Wernke, Oliver Wernke, and Niko Smith. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

James is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Jerilynn, brothers Tom and Jerry Wernke, and many treasured friends and family who passed before him.

James dedicated his career building and operating Wernke Welding and Steel Erection, eventually retiring in the early 2000s and proudly passing the business on to his sons. He and Jerilynn built two custom homes together before settling at Riverview Crossing in Harrison, Ohio.

In his free time, James enjoyed spending time with friends at the Southwest Ohio Conservation Club, where he loved shooting trap and spending time at the gun range. He also found joy riding his motorcycle with the many friends he met along the way. A talented craftsman, James continued making knives and leather goods well into his late 80s.


Whether you knew him as James, Jimmy, Dad, Grandpa, or Great Grandpa, he was someone people loved to be around. His charisma, warmth, and unforgettable personality lit up every room he entered. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lasting memories that will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Miami Township Community Center, 3789 Shady Ln., North Bend, Ohio 45052, on Friday, February 6th, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Southwest Ohio Conservation Club (SWOCC), where a tree will be planted in Jimmy's honor. All donations to SWOCC should be submitted by check, made payable to SWOCC, 1012 Harrison Ave, Harrison, OH 45030 A Celebration of Life will be held on February 6, 2026, from 03:00 PM to 07:00 PM at Miami Township Community Center 3789 Shady Ln., North Bend, Ohio 45052,