James "Jim" Wireman

WASHINGTON – James “Jim” Wireman, 90, of Washington passed away Monday, December 24, 2018 at the Apostolic Christian Nursing Home in Eureka.

Jim was born on July 16, 1928 in Peoria, IL to James “Jim” McKinley and Mary (Woods) Wireman. He married Julia “Julie” Ann Arnoldy in Marysville, California. She survives.

Also, surviving are two daughters Ana (Dave) Warburton of Hardeeville, SC and Terri (Ron) Crawford of Washington, two sons Pat (Cheryl) Wireman of Morton and Mike (Sue) Wireman of Wichita, KS., he has four grandchildren James (Melissa) Wireman of Washington, Janice (Scott) Penning of Franklin, IN, Jake (Sara) Wireman of Overland, MO and Ryan Crawford of Washington along with seven great-grandchildren: Jay and Shelby Wireman, Lena and Charlie Penning, Walker, William and McKinley Wireman.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Jim and Mary Wireman, his step-mother Bea Hurst Wireman and step-brother Ken Hurst.

Jim was drafted by the Army and was stationed at Camp Beale Army Base in Marysville California where he met and married Julie after his discharge from the service where he served as a Staff Sargent.  He always stayed in touch with his Illinois Army buddies who got together on the last Sunday of June at Pekin Park.  Not only did his buddies and their wives look forward to the annual Army Reunion Picnic, so did their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim enjoyed putting in a garden every year and had a bet with his daughter, Ana, as to whose tomatoes showed up on the vine first.  There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or repair.  He built his home, where he and Julie lived for 65 years.  His favorite hobby was to restore Farmall Cub and Ford tractors.  In the summer he would have his latest tractor auctioned, so he had the money to shop for his next tractor in need of restoration.

Jim loved animals. Over the years, he loved his pet dachshunds, and all but one were adopted.  When his children were small, he won a duckling by pitching pennies into a bottle when Washington had their City Festival held on the town square. Before going off to the service, Jim owned and raised 4 horses.

Jim was 16 years old when he started working for CAT.  He was a welder in building LL in E. Peoria then transferred to Morton Parts.  He retired as an inspector at the age of 54 after working 38 years.

Jim was a quiet man, but he loved a good joke and when he heard a funny one, he told it to everyone with whom he came in contact.

The Wireman family would like to thank the caring staff at OSF’s Forest Park, Apostolic Christian Nursing Home and Unity Point Hospice for their warm and loving care.

Jim was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington where the visitation will be held Friday December 28, 2018 from 10:00am to 11:00am.  A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am. Father John Steffen will officiate.  Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Apostolic Christian Home in Eureka or St. Patrick’s Church in Washington.  To share a memory or send a condolence for his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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