Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
JAMES WETZEL Obituary
JAMES ROSS WETZEL (Age 80)
Passed away peacefully on February 12, 2019 in Dallas, TX. Born and raised in Owosso, MI, he was the son of Ross and Kathleen (Rourke) Wetzel. Jim earned his BA from Michigan State University and MA from American University. Inspired by JFK, Jim drove to Washington, DC in 1962 to begin a lifelong career in the Federal Government. There he served as an Economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Council of Economic Advisers, and Census Bureau. After retirement he spent time as a professor, consultant, researcher and writer. Curious and intellectual with a penchant for remembering facts and figures, Jim was a voracious reader of news and fiction alike. He enjoyed rounds of golf, listening to jazz, family setback games, road trips, poker tournaments and pondering the origins of the universe. Jim will be remembered as a devoted father to Katharine Friguletto, father in law to Mike, and grandfather to Sophia, Lauren and Juliette. Memories from his final five years living near family in Dallas will be held most dear. Jim is also survived by siblings Colleen Powell (Carl) of Frisco, TX, Richard Wetzel of Fort Bragg, CA, Tom Wetzel (Denise) of Morrice, MI, Pamela Breen of Cozumel, Mexico, and Doug Wetzel of Owosso, MI. The family is planning a private ceremony to honor Jim's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JAMES WETZEL
Don Horton
February 26, 2024
I graduated from high school with Jim. We both loved to play golf We were not close in school but for about 20 years we enjoyed annual golf outings with classmates. I got to know Jim much better then and really enjoyed our times together
He was quite the Slicer. lol
Don Horton Owosso High School Class of 1956
Don Horton Class of 56 OHS
February 25, 2023
The class of 1956 Owosso High School members Jim very well with that Great Smile. Our annual golf group for over 25 years from our ages 50-75 had many great times on the course and socializing after golf
Don Horton spokesman for the class RIP Jim. See ya soon
Jack Bregger
February 25, 2021
Despite living many, many miles apart, I always (thanks to the Internet) felt close to Jim, and I still do. He was brilliant, a great writer and speaker, and always warm and friendly. He's been gone from us for two years now, but it seems like, I don't know, that we're somehow still connected. I miss you, Jim!
March 10, 2019
Jack and Joan Bregger:
Jim was probably my closest friend, beginning in 1963, when I talked him into applying to work with the labor force statistics at BLS (smartest move I ever made!). He was very, very bright, an excellent writer and analyist of the labor market, and very self-confident. I will miss him very much
Jack Bregger
Tacoma, WA
Fred Cronkhite
March 5, 2019
"Wetz", my oldest and best friend. 75 years of memories and friendship. Met Jim in Kindergarten at the old Central School. Farewell my friend. See you on the other side one day.
"Cronker"
Sherry Holland
March 5, 2019
I was very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I have fond memories of his laugh and smile. :-) He was friends with my mom, Susan Shank, at BLS in DC. Sending love to his family during this difficult time.
March 4, 2019
My condolences to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you be strengthened with all power, so that you may fully endure with patience and joy.
Maureen Bishop Gilna
March 4, 2019
Fond memories of Jim. He was our neighbor, and classmate , class of 56. Sending our prayers and blessings.
March 3, 2019
My Thoughts & Prayers go our to Jim'a family. I graduated from Owosso High School with Jim in the Class of 1956 and enjoyed our man Class Reunion Golf Outings. We will all miss James GREAT SMILE
Don & Sandy Horton and the OHS Class of 1956
Russell Hayes
March 3, 2019
Sorry to learn of James passing. I am Russ Hayes of Flushing Michigan a high school classmate of Jim's ( class of 1956).He and I played golf together in the class reunion golf outings. He enjoyed his golf. Our prayers are with his family.
Russ& Shirley Hayes
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in JAMES WETZEL's name
Memorial Events
for JAMES WETZEL
How to support JAMES's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JAMES WETZEL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
