James Robert Wise

James Robert Wise, of Johnson City, Tennessee, 85, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, at the Johnson City Medical Center.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late James and Helen (Knox) Wise.

Jim graduated from Euclid High School in Euclid, Ohio in 1957. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bemidji University in Bemidji, Minnesota and a Master’s degree from Western Illinois University in Moline, Illinois.

He lived a life of service to his family, church, and community. Jim worked as a guidance counselor for the Mentor Public Schools at Shore Junior High School in Mentor, Ohio. He also worked at Euclid Beach Park for thirteen summers. As an active member of the First Church of Christ in Painesville, Ohio, he served as an elder, chairman of the worship committee, and Sunday school teacher.

After retiring, Jim moved to Tennessee to be closer to his grandchildren. He became a member of Grandview Christian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, and was actively involved in the homeowners’ association at Waterbrooke, serving as president and a member of the landscaping committee.

He is survived by his children Joseph (Karen) Wise of Johnson City, TN; Geoffrey (Krystina) Wise of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Elizabeth (Lee) Gilliam of Rolesville, NC; his grandchildren Thomas, David, and Katie Wise (TN), James and William Wise (MO), and Emily and John Gilliam (NC). He is also survived by his sister Judith (Robert) Reinke of Medina, OH, and brother-in-law Dwain (Marilyn) Illman of Bloomington, IN, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Donna Sue Wise.

The family will receive friends at Grandview Christian Church, 300 University Parkway, Johnson City, Tennessee 37604, on Saturday, March 29 from 10:00 am-10:45 am. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 29 at 11:00 am, following the visitation at Grandview Christian Church with Dr. Aaron Wymer officiating. The service will also be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel, @GrandviewChristianChurch.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grandview Christian Church.

The family would like to extend thanks to all those friends and neighbors who supported him during his final years.

Words of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Jim Wise. 423-282-1521.