James "Jim" Wise

James "Jim" Wise
James "Jim" LeRoy Wise, formerly of Ottawa passed on November 5, 2023 in Stockton California.
He was the eldest son of LeRoy and LaRene (Perrot) Wise. His body was laid to rest in the Grand Rapids cemetery in Grand Ridge Illinois with full military honors on November 29, 2023. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
He grew up working hard on the farm. Jim attended a one room schoolhouse in his early years and went on to graduate from Serena High School in 1953. He met his eternal sweetheart Deloris "Dee" Broadus in his early teens and started dating her in his Senior year. Shortly after graduation Jim decided to enlist in the Navy and was also baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Jim and Dee were married the summer of 1956 in Norway IL. Jim had many different assignments in the Navy, taking him all over the world, North Korea, Maryland, Eritrea East Africa, Florida, Greece and Stockton California, where he retired from the Navy as a Master Chief with over 21 years of service.
He and Dee had daughters in Ottawa, Eritrea and Jacksonville, he loved being the father of three girls! After retiring from the Navy, Jim became a Certified Financial Planner and continued to run his business until the day he died. Jim gained a firm testimony of Jesus Christ and his Gospel during his family's time in Greece and began a lifelong habit of studying and serving God. In 1975 Jim and Dee decided to have their marriage and family sealed together for eternity, in the Oakland California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Jim served in many teaching and leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints over the years. Jim is now with his beloved Dee once more and their family is celebrating their reunion with joy.
He is survived by his three girls, DeLisa (Steve) Russel, Ilana (Guy) Larson, and Jana Mead; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, as well as his siblings John "Jack" Wise and Bonnie Wise Wheeler.
He leaves a legacy of love, love for his family, love for God, and love for his country.
Memorials may be directed to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433