James Russell "Jim" Wertley

James "Jim" Russell Wertley, 87, of Leesburg, FL passed away on October 1, 2025, peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He leaves behind his beloved wife and partner of over fifty years, Jane.

Jim was born in Reading, PA to the late Russell and Geraldine (Knarr) Wertley. He graduated from Reading High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. Jim worked his entire career of over 40 years as a draftsman and Layout Man Senior for Met-Ed.

In Pennsylvania, Jim was a member of the Lehman Lake Rod and Gun Club of Bushkill. He was Past Grand Tall of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon – Neversink, belonged to Masonic Lodge 549 of Reading, and was a 50-year member of Rajah Shrine.

In Florida, Jim was very active in the Lake County Shrine Club where he was a past president. He could be found weekly working Monday Nite Bingo, Friday Nite Fish Fry, and Sunday Country Breakfast. He was also Treasurer for the Florida Shrine Mariners Association and Treasurer for the International Association of Shrine Yacht Clubs. Jim was an associate member of the Bahia Shrine Club in Apopka, and he also helped transport children to the Shriners Hospital in Tampa. Jim and Jane attended the Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Leesburg.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his daughters, Heather (Doug) Goeltz and Jean Shalters, his son, William Wertley, and his stepdaughter Cathy (Salvatore) Montesano; grandchildren, Stephen (Lauren) Goeltz, Scott (Celeste) Goeltz, Jessica Goeltz, Madeline (Zach) Shalters, James and Jillian Wertley, Victoria (Joseph) McClorey, Salvatore, Julia, Matthew, Gregory, Nathan and Brianna Montesano; and 5 great-grandchildren, Adeline Goeltz, and Noah, Myah, Isaiah, and Jonah Gibney. Jim was predeceased by his brother, Robert (Peggy) Wertley. He also leaves behind his best friend of over 50 years, Tom Edelman, and many other longtime friends.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Jim was always willing to step up and help out. He will be truly and deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

A visitation and service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home, in Tavares. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations in Jim's name to the Lake County Shrine Club - a place he held dear in his heart – for renovations.