James Eugene Wiechart, of Elida, formerly of Spencerville, went to be with his Lord and Creator on February 5, 2017. He was 82 years of age.

Jim was the only child born to John C. Wiechart and Mary A. (Studer) Wiechart-German in Toledo, Ohio, on August 7, 1934. After the death of his father, Jim's mother married Sylvester German of Delphos. Both his parents and his step-father are deceased.

Jim was a determined soul from his infancy, defying the odds and unexpectedly surviving despite being born prematurely. He was sent home from the hospital with his parents given little hope for survival. Through his last breath, his fighting, independent spirit persevered as he led and directed those around him through the difficult days and decisions they faced together as he battled a short course of cancer.

On November 25, 1954, Jim married Helen M. (Schwinnen) Wiechart. They were married for 54 fulfilling years upon Helen's death on February 3, 2009.

Jim was a very fortunate man to have the blessing of two wonderfully devoted, strong wives during his life. He married Ruth (Gilmore) Shimpf-Gremling, a dear friend from his youth, on March 5, 2011, and they shared 5 brief, but happy years together. Ruth resides in Elida, OH.

Jim is survived by 7 children: Susan (Dana) Wiechart-White (Westerville), Cathleen (Gary) Garman (Spencerville), Jack (Joyce) Wiechart (Delphos), Bill (Jan) Wiechart (Delphos), Donald Wiechart (Spencerville), Lori (Ron) Ringwald (Spencerville), and James (Kit) Wiechart (Spencerville); a step brother and his wife: Virgil German and Mary German (Delphos). Grandchildren include: Heather (Bill) Mawhorter, David White, Kevin (Stephanie) Mack, Sarah (Greg) Burke, Brian Mack, Katie Mack, Felicia Garman, Sabrina Garman, Amy (Josh) Bayliff, Kristina (Brandon) Martin, Tony Wiechart, Nick Wiechart, Matt Wiechart, Bryce Ringwald, Mackenzie Ringwald, Carter Ringwald, Reggie (fiancée Kerstin Gasson) Wiechart, Jordan Wiechart, John Wiechart, and Jacob Wiechart. Jim was the step-father to: Mike (Sandy) Schimpf (Lima), Deb (Bruce) Higgins (Austin, MI), Beth (Mike) Wechta (Bluffton), Diane (Schimpf) Evans (Delphos), Billy (Brenda) Schimpf (Elida), Sharon (Schimpf) Jahnz (Elida), Andy (Laurette) Schimpf (Gomer), John (Faith) Shimpf (Elida), and Chris (Brittany) Schimpf (Elida).

Jim was preceded in death by a step sister and her husband: Betty Ann (German) Dobner and Don Dobner (formerly of Delphos).

Jim attended school at Spencerville Local Schools and Lima, St. Gerard. He was a member of the St. Gerard graduating class of 1952.

Jim and Helen were the proud parents of 7, grandparents of 20, and great-grandparents of 9. Upon marrying Ruth, Jim's family, as well as his love and pride, grew more than he could have ever imagined. Jim and Ruth often proudly proclaimed that together they share 16 children, 52 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren, all upon which they devoutly centered their lives.

Jim was the owner and operator of Wick's Carryout and Rural Machine and Iron Works for over four decades. However, always on the move, Jim never "fully" retired in the traditional sense as he enjoyed assisting his sons who took over the family business until his health no longer permitted, a few short months before his death. Jim had a work ethic beyond compare. He was a fair and thorough business owner and showed a deep appreciation and respect to his patrons.

Jim was a member of Spencerville St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Lima St. Gerard Catholic Church. He served on the St. Patrick's Catholic Church Parish Council, and was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters Court 76-Landeck. Jim served on the Amanda Township Zoning Appeals Board.

With his ornery sense of humor showing through, Jim would proudly promote as one of his finest accolades that he was "the youngest resident of the Ottoville jail" having spent some "time" there at his parents' request for misbehaving as a young boy. His Grandfather Jacob Studer, the constable at the time, assisted in this life lesson.

Jim enjoyed dancing to the Al Best Band, visiting friends, playing pinochle and euchre, drinking Coca Cola & eating Whoppers, taking drives by his farms, and having breakfast with friends while solving all of the world's problems. Jim never knew a stranger. He was never short for words and always had a joke to share. He was a selfless family man committed to those fortunate to call him "Husband," "Dad," "Grandpa" and "Friend."

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Gerard Catholic Church in Lima, OH. Father Mike Sergi will be officiating the service. Burial will be at Delphos St. John's the Evangelist Catholic Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 5 to 8 pm and on Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 2 to 8 pm at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, OH. A wake service and a Catholic Order of Foresters service will follow at 8 pm on Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gerard Catholic Church in Lima or St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Spencerville.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.