James J. Wagner

James (Jim) Jay Wagner, age 95 of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on June 2, 2025 at Westminster Village in West Lafayette. He was born September 28, 1929, in Fort Recovery, Ohio, to Charles H. and Savelle Phoebe (Nickerson) Wagner.

One of the biggest highlights from Jim's childhood in Fort Recovery was spending time at the Royal Movie Theatre, which was built, owned, and operated by his family from 1916 to 1946. He shared many fond memories of his time at the theatre, from popping popcorn to running the film reels, always with a smile that showed just how much those moments meant to him.

Jim graduated from Fort Recovery High School in 1947 and went on to Ball State Teachers College in Muncie, Indiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1951. That following summer, Jim taught geography at the University of Nebraska and returned to Ball State to continue his education by completing a Master of Arts in Education in 1952.

Following his pursuit of education, Jim served in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, Jim met the love of his life, Laura Jean Eldridge. They were married on March 29, 1955, in Cottondale, Florida.

Jim and Jean moved to Indianapolis, where he worked first as a junior executive trainee for General Electric and later as a marketing manager for the Northwest Indiana territory of Indiana for the Mobil Oil Company. This transition to Mobil Oil led Jim and Jean to relocate to Lafayette, where they raised their two children, Diane and Sam, and lived for 69 years.

In 1958, Jim began his career at Purdue University, serving as a University Program Administrator for the Regional Campus Administration. He dedicated 35 years to the Purdue Boilermaker community, helping to promote growth and excellence in higher education until his retirement in 1993. Throughout his life, Jim's deep respect for education remained a passion. Whether in the classroom, in uniform, or in the university halls, he brought a spirit of enthusiasm to everything he did.

Jim's life was deeply rooted in his unwavering faith in God. A devoted member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette for over 60 years, Jim rarely missed attending a Sunday service or his beloved Sunday school class. He found great joy in singing in the church choir and, from time to time, shared his musical talent by accompanying the choir on trumpet.

Jim belonged to several organizations throughout his adulthood. For 31 years, he was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Playing a significant role in Indiana Aerospace Education, Jim assisted several school corporations throughout Indiana to incorporate aerospace education lessons into their curriculum. Consequently, the CAP awarded him an Air Force Citation along with several other awards. Jim was also the recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1992. These distinguished honors were treasured very much by Jim.

Belonging to the West Lafayette Masonic Lodge and the West Lafayette Coffee Klatch, Jim found many opportunities to make connections with others. He always looked forward to the discussions that took place at these activities.

Jim enjoyed reading historical books, biographies, and James Whitcomb Riley poetry. He was a devoted Boilermaker fan. Of course, the month of May was always a highlight with the Indianapolis 500 time trials and race, which will always be the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Over the years, Jim also became a fan of NASCAR. These pastimes brought him a great deal of joy and made for plenty of conversations with friends and family.

Jim was very proud of his family and loved them all very much. He is survived by his wife Jean and his children: Diane L. Wagner Ulrich (David) and Samuel J. Wagner; his grandchildren: Christian J. Wagner (Chelsea), Caleb S. Wagner (Michelle Trice) and Megan S. Ulrich Brent (Bobby); and great grandchildren: Julia Suzanne and Evelyn Jean Brent. His memory will live on through every one of them. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother Maurice Wagner and a nephew Wayne Wagner.

Jim will be remembered for being a good man with strong convictions-someone who loved his family, his country and his faith. A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until time of service at 4:00 PM on Friday, June 6 at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home in Lafayette, Indiana. Private burial at a later date in Fort Recovery, OH. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1005 North 21st Street, Lafayette, Indiana 47906-2296.