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BORN
1957
DIED
2023
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James Wagner Obituary
Born: November 4, 1957 in Sycamore, Ill.
Died: May 2, 2023 in Maple Park, Ill.
James Peter "Jim" Wagner, 65, of Maple Park, Ill., passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at his beautiful home.
He was born Nov. 4, 1957, in Sycamore, the son of Dorothy (Rippentrop) and Jacob Carl Wagner. He graduated from Genoa High School in 1975 and continued working with his family-owned construction business. He then worked for Midwest Refinishing for many years. In 1997, he joined Wagner Excavating, managing the operation of the business; because of his good work ethics and great business mannerism, he helped this business grow into the well-known company that it is today. Because of his leadership, he was awarded "The Cat's Meow" by TAILS Humane Society.
He worked hard for his family, which he loved very much. He married Laura Shepardson on Nov. 22, 1996, in Las Vegas.
He loved to trap shoot and go pheasant hunting and fishing. Jim was a Chicago sports fan and a great sports fan of his great-nephews and step-granddaughter. He was a wonderful loving husband and will be missed forever. Jim had a one-of-a-kind personality and will be remembered as hard working.
James is survived by his wife, Laura; stepchildren, Brad and Brock Bjelk; step-granddaughter, Jeanné Howard; brother, Jack (Lois) Wagner; sister, Gloria (Rick) Granquist; nephews, Jake (Melissa) Wagner and Jared (Kim) Wagner; niece, Shelley (Jerel Folts) Wagner; great-nephews, Jacob, Levi, Michael and Jackson Wagner; and last, but not least, his beloved cat, Teddy, which was by Jim's side the whole time he battled against his cancer.
He was predeceased by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his name to TAILS Humane Society, 2250 Barber Greene Road, DeKalb, IL 60115.
Funeral Service will be held at 11 am Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Olson's Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Monday, May 8, at the chapel. Burial will be at Afton Center Cemetery, rural DeKalb.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Northern Illinois Hospice for their compassionate care of Jim, and love and support.
For information, 815-895-6589; visit www.olsonfh.com to leave a condolence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Wagner
Sponsored by Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, Quiram Sycamore Chapel Quiram Sycamore Chapel - Sycamore.
Joan Tomlinson
May 8, 2023
So sad to hear of Jimmy's passing.
Thoughts and prayers for his family.
RIP
John Harlow
May 8, 2023
God bless you Jim Wagner and your family. Best of the best.
Peggy Brown
May 8, 2023
Always enjoyed our business conversations on the phone. Jim was great to do business with -- I never met him in person, but I truly felt like I knew him well and could tell what a good man he
was. And being a cat lover myself, I enjoyed hearing him talk about his beloved cat, Teddy. I will certainly miss him. Peggy@PAB Concrete Cutting
Glenn Hofer
May 8, 2023
Always fun to be around Jim, whether at work or elsewhere. You will be greatly missed, Buddy!
Blaine Olmstead
May 8, 2023
Jimmy, you will be missed by my family. I grew up with you as my neighbor, as my school friend, as my best man in my wedding as well as your employee with Midwest Refinishing.We sure did lots of crazy stuff in our youth! Special prayers for you and your family. I wish I had lived closer to you these last 30 yera
Mike Votaw
May 6, 2023
Wish i would have known, Would have liked to talk to you one last time. We had some great times traveling the country together, Jim and his popcorn in a bowl of milk! LOL
Bernie LaDue
May 6, 2023
My thoughts are with you and your family Laura.
Bernie LaDue
Milan Krpan
May 6, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Wagner family. Jim was a great guy and I always enjoyed our conversations. Take care and God Bless you Jim.
Sylvia and Milan Krpan
Phil and Cly James
May 5, 2023
Jim was a great person with a who had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed by his family, business associates, everyone that has the privilege to know him.
Norm Rich
May 5, 2023
Warm thoughts go out to the Wagner family. I knew Jim from our friendly G-K vs Hiawatha days. So sorry to hear of his passing.
All the best to you,
Norm Rich
Kent Zingre
May 5, 2023
I´ve known him since Kindergarten, we would ride the bus everyday. Sad to see him go at such a young age. Rest in piece, my Friend.
Tom Wojcik
May 5, 2023
Tom Wojcik
May 5, 2023
Jimmy, it was a pleasure to know you, thank you for your friendship and the time well spent traveling the Country working and living, some of the best years of life, God-speed Jimmy
John pappas
May 5, 2023
My condolences to the wagner family, Jim was one of the best and honest people i ever meet.
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Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, Quiram Sycamore Chapel1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178
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