James A. Wenz, 85, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away June 21, 2023 at Bridge Hospice. He was born November 15, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late George and Martha (Hein) Wenz. He was one of 8 siblings. He married Patricia Walczak on September 17, 1960.
After graduating from Rhodes High School in Cleveland, Jim served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1957-59. He then started his career in newspaper production in his hometown.
After 20 years in production, Jim went back to school to be licensed as a Building Superintendent. It was this career move that brought Jim and his family to Bowling Green in 1981. To many, Jim was the heart and soul of the local Wall Street Journal plant. He took great pride in keeping the plant running efficiently.
After 40 years with Dow Jones, Jim started a retirement adventure with his wife Pat by his side. They spent winters in Florida, making friends from around the country. They also enjoyed dinners and trips with friends from Cleveland and Bowling Green. And they supported the Browns loudly and proudly. But if you asked him what brought him the most joy, it was spending time with his family. Jim was blessed with 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. And they were all blessed to have his smile, quick wit and endless advice for many years. He will be dearly missed.
Along with Pat, his wife of 62 years, Jim is survived by his children Patrice Brock, Sandy Strausbaugh, Jim (Amy) Wenz and Bill (Betsy) Wenz; his grandchildren Nick (Allison) Brock, Ally (Matt) Madison, Julie Brock, Jon (Stacy) Strausbaugh, Samantha Strausbaugh and fiance’ Daniel Tipton; Jake, Zach, Lukas and Josh Wenz, and Katie, Ellie and Sophie Wenz; and his great-grandchildren Harlow, Teagan, Ben, Owen, Ethan and Declan. Also surviving are his brothers Roger and George. Jim was preceded in death by his son-in-law David Strausbaugh, sisters Janet and Arlene, brothers Bob, Alan and Don.
Throughout his life Jim was a wonderful example of serving others and enjoying every minute life gives you. He was a long-time member of the Shriners, driving a little red car in many parades. He also was a member in good standing of the Elks Club and the Freemasons. Most days you could find Jim cheering on his grandkids at their many sports and activities, fixing anything and everything that needed fixing, and enjoying life with his beloved family. Jim was an avid golfer, spending the last few years of his golfing days at Stone Ridge Golf Club.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held Saturday, July 8 at 12:00pm at Stone Ridge Golf Club (1553 Muirfield Drive, Bowling Green, OH). Please join his family for a luncheon and an afternoon of reminiscing and celebrating a much-loved husband, father, grandpa, friend and co-worker. Casual attire please.
Jim gave one last gift through his passing – he donated his body to the University of Toledo Medical Center. Jim’s family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and support staff at Bridge Hospice for showing so much kindness to Jim in his last days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bridge Hospice in Jim’s memory.
