James "Jim" Bernard Wagner passed away in his home on September 25th, leaving this world in the way he was happiest: surrounded by family and friends.

Visitation for Jim will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 705 E. Burnett St., Beaver Dam from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam.

Jim's adventures in life began October 28, 1952 in Evergreen Park, Illinois. His parents, Russell and Elizabeth (Jensen) Wagner raised Jim with his four siblings, Kathleen (Wagner) Hannig, Susan (Wagner) Mundell, Deborah Wagner, and Dan Wagner in a home filled with much love and laughter. Jim precedes his siblings in death, now reunited with loved ones in the next life.

Jim attended St. Michael's Parochial School and Carl Sandberg High School in Orland Park, Illinois. His many shenanigans left a mark at both institutions.  His vocation in life was apparent when at just five years old, Jim found a pile of sparkly granite on a construction refuse site and went around selling them to the neighbor ladies. A lifelong salesman, Jim said the most important aspects of sales he learned while selling shoes at Golden Shoe Store when he was 14 years old.

Jim's profound devotion to God led him to enter the seminary after high school. However, his "zest" for life was not looked on favorably, and his time at the seminary was short-lived. At age 21 Jim joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which he said, "I went through eight pairs of missionaries and an old guy, but they answered all my questions."  As a church of lay clergy, Jim had the opportunity to serve in many capacities, often as a local and regional ecclesiastical leader. Fellow members loved Jim for his infectious, hearty laugh and wise counsel. Jim was often called on to handle difficult situations because of his ability to disarm tensions and help others feel the love of God through him. Jim's constant message was that God's love is real, that He is always there, and through Him we can become better people.
Second only to Jim's love of God was Jim's love of family. Jim was fiercely devoted to his immediate and extended family. On May 27, 2000, Jim married Judith (Becher) Wagner in the Chicago, Illinois temple. Jim loved his "Bertha" with all that was in him, and together they created a home where family and God came first. Through the eternities their names will be blessed for their generosity in both time and resources. Jim is survived by his blended family of six children and their life partners: Christine (Wagner) Jones & Trevor Sands, Eric & Joy (Wahlen) Wagner, Terri Pilsner & Javier González Espino, Christina (Pilsner) & Jansen Price, Robert & Alexandra (Cobb) Wagner, and Matthew & Pamela (Nesheim) Pilsner. The family chaos would not be complete without 19 grandchildren and one great-grandson—all of whom know the rule: NO fun at Grandpa's house!

A life well lived, Jim had the privilege of traveling to many parts of the world, meeting new friends wherever he went. Sit with Jim's family and they will tell you stories of him cutting off his own cast to go skiing in the Swiss Alps, trying to convince his teacher and classmates he had a pet kangaroo, and instigating countless water fights. Jim loved the road and adventure, always wanting to know when the next trip was. He has now left this life for what he referred to as his "next great adventure," proclaiming numerous times on his way out a line from one of his favorite songs, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me—I'm alive and doin' fine!"

If desired, memorials in Jim's name may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.