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James Wiley Obituary
A native of Portsmouth, Va., he had been a resident of the Peninsula for most of his life. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was always there to help others, giving many hours of his time over the past 30 years to help in charitable works of Walter Pollard Council 5480, Knights of Columbus and Catholic Education. He is a Past State Deputy of the Virginia State Council Knights of Columbus, and during his tenure, Virginia was named the most outstanding jurisdiction in the Order.
James was a graduate of St. Vincent De Paul High School in Newport News, Va., where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. He later served as commissioner of basketball officials on the Peninsula as well as commissioner of baseball umpires.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Gerczak Wiley; his mother, Mary Elizabeth Wiley; and his father, William Roy Wiley Sr.
He is survived by four sons, Richard W. Blaes Jr. of Newport News, Stephen E. Blaes of Greensboro, N.C., Matthew C. Blaes and his wife, Valarie of Richmond, Va., and Jonathan L. Blaes and his wife, Kimberly of Raleigh, N.C.; and granddaughters, Lauren and Madison. Survivors also include his brother, William R. Wiley Jr. and his wife, Bunnie of Hampton, Va.; sister-in-law, Gerry Hoehn and her husband, Robert of Newport News, Va.; brother-in-law, Melvin 'Sonny' Gerczak and his wife, Brenda of Lanexa, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at Peninsula Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at St. Jerome's Catholic Church, 116 Denbigh Blvd., Newport News, Va. Interment by the family will be at a later date.
The family request that memorial donations be made to the Relay for Life, Walter Pollard Council 5480, 100 Columbus Way, Newport News, VA 23606.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Wiley
Becky and Jerry Gentry
January 7, 2009
Matt and Valarie,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Julio Lugo
January 3, 2009
Our deepest condolences go out to the Wiley family at this time of loss. He was a good man, father, and husband .. what more can a man want and leave as a lasting legency.
Julio and kate Lugo
Les Puckett
January 2, 2009
Jim was a good friend of mine since we were
in our teens. We played sports together and
officiated basketball together on board #125,
where he served as the commissioner for a
number of years. I was saddened by his passing.
The things I remember about Jim were his quick
wit and his knowledge of sports trivia. He was a
walking encyclopedia on just about any sport.
I was honored to be his friend. He will be missed
by everyone who knew him.
Les Puckett, Hillsville, Va.
TOM MCGRATH
January 2, 2009
AS A FELLOW PAST GRAND KNIGHT, I KNEW JIM AS A HARD WORKER AND A MAN RESPECTED BY EVERYONE. YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY BUT I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN VERY PROUD OF HIM.
henry hughes
January 2, 2009
Dear Bill and family.....I am deeply saddened by the loss of this great man.Jim was my catcher at St.Vincent's in 1960 and a fine athlete and friend.I have so many fond memeries of those years and I think of Jim often.Whenever I think of St.Vincent's or P.C.,I think of Jim and always will.Whenever I saw Jim,over the years,we would talk baseball and sports and the great times at St.Vincent de Paul.We would talk about how our buddies were doing.Jim will always be remembered as a giving man with a big heart.I'll greatly miss him. Henry Hughes
Jean Stump
January 1, 2009
Our condolences to the family. S. Wayne Stump, PSD 77/78 and wife Jean.
Judy Bradsjaw
December 31, 2008
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Lanny, Jim, and Bill were very close in their younder years. They were in apprentice school, and Knight of Columbus together. Again I am sad to learn of Jims passing and my thoughts will be with you and your family.
Judy Bradshaw
bobby mears
December 31, 2008
Jim and I were the closest of friends since we were kids in 1954....We shared many, many good times, some sadness, but always the absolute bond of trust. He was a man of confidence, endurance and strength, and even as I weep at his . loss, I smile at all the good times together. My sincere condolences to Bill and Jim's BOYS. Always, Bobby Mears
Courtney Skorupa-Privette
December 31, 2008
Mr Wiley's Family,
Mr Wiley was friends with my dad in the Knights of Columbus before my father passed away. I also would wait on Mr Wiley when he came into eat at the resturant I work at part time. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful man. He was so thoughtful and just an honest soul. He will be sorely missed and I am honored to have known him. Bunnie knows how much I truly thought of him.
Don Chaney
December 31, 2008
To the Family of Jim Wiley,
I am saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Jim was my 7th Grade basketball in the early 1960's. Many of the things he taught us on the court and the memoriable experiences have been carried throughout my life.
MICK MIKULA
December 31, 2008
To the family of Jim Wiley
Please accept my sincere and deepest condolences. Jim was a very close friend and fellow umpire. We began our friendship in 1964 and I am extremely proud to have been associated with Jim and some of his many contributions to Collegiate and High School athletics in the Tidewater area. I will miss him and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
George Wells
December 31, 2008
Jim and I were classmates for 12 years at St. Vincent de Paul School in Newport News. Shortly after graduation in 1960 Jim bought a new Chevy Impala and we were off to New York for a little craziness and a couple of Broadway shows. We have been friends since 1948. Drank a few beers and told a few lies. I last saw Jim for lunch at Rocky Mount BBQ on Jefferson Avenue (Newport News) in November 2007. I will miss him. The kind man has left us. Sincere condolences to the family.
Marla Puckett
December 31, 2008
Matt, Rick, Steve and Jon:
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your treasured memories.
Mr.&Mrs. Raymond James
December 31, 2008
Carolyl,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Jim was a tree planted by a river.
Michael Smith
December 31, 2008
Jim and I were classmates at St Vincents and I considred him a good friend. We saw each other at a class reunion a few years ago and relived some fond memories especially our senior class trip to New York. Please accept my sincere condolences at his passing.
Mike Smith, Spotsylvania, VA
Valarie Blaes
December 31, 2008
"Pops,"
Thank you for helping to raise four beautiful sons and for being a wonderful husband to "Mom." I will miss you, but will cherish the wonderful memories we shared over these past 18 years I've had the privilege of knowing you. I'm so honored you were my father-in-law over these past 10 years.
Pam and Kumar Das (Adelman)
December 31, 2008
Matt, Ricky, Steve, and Jon,
I am so sorry to hear about Dubs. He was a great person and I will always remember his warm spirit.
Mary Beth (Morris) Scruggs
December 31, 2008
Dear Rick, Steve, Matt, and Jon,
I am so sorry for your loss and I know that this is a difficult time. Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jean Skorupa
December 31, 2008
Please accept the condolences of our family.
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