James "Jim" Wagner

James “Jim” Edward Wagner, age 97, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021. Jim was born on June 30, 1924 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania to William Carl Emil and Anna Mae Ruth Laux. Jim was one of seven children of the home and resided in Williamsport in his early years. He graduated from Williamsport High School in 1942. After high school Jim went on to Dickerson Jr. College before being drafted into the service in 1943. He served in the artillery in the United States Army and after one year of service was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Program and Attended Washington State University. As tensions were rising in the United States there was a shortage of manpower and the Cadet Program was closed. Jim was then transferred back to the Artillery in the 70th Infantry Division. He later went on to serve in France and Germany and various other places in Europe. He served one year of Occupation Duty in Germany and was Honorably Discharged in 1946. After the Army, James enrolled in The University of Pittsburgh and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.

After graduation, Jim went on to work for various projects in the United States and South America for fifteen years. Jim worked on The Ohio Turnpike, The Tunnels from Lagaira to Caracas, Peru, San Lorenzo Dam, The Tres Maria Project, a Hydro Electric Project on the Sao Francisco River, and Lake Yoja in Honduras. While in Brazil he became a husband to Alda Maria Da Silva and a father to two boys, William and Richard. Jim continued to work in Brazil on the Pan-American Highway. With a growing family, Jim moved the family back to the United States, moving to West Virginia and Pennsylvania before settling in Kansas. In 1972, they welcomed a baby girl, Sally, into their home. Jim finished his career with Marley Cooling, working on power plants around the country; he retired in 1990.

Jim retired to his home in Overland Park but enjoyed his family farm near Pomme De Terre Lake. Jim enjoyed spending time at the farm and enjoyed simplicity. He was a lifelong Lutheran and a member of Atonement Lutheran Church. Jim never knew a stranger, always enjoying a good conversation and being with his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mae Ruth Wagner, father, William Carl Emil Wagner; brothers Carl Wagner, John Wagner and Robert Wagner; sisters Marie Wagner, Martha Stocker, and Gladys Long; and his wife of 57 years Alda (Da Silva) Wagner.

He is survived by his sons William (Jennifer) Wagner, and Richard Wagner; daughter Sally (Scotty) Briscoe; daughter- in- law Katia Wagner; 7 grandchildren, Megan (Derek) Balke, Joey Wagner, Brady Wagner, Kaitlyn Briscoe, Kyle Briscoe, Ashley Wagner and Kathlyn Wagner; as well as two great grandchildren Colton and Maisy Balke.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 29th, 2021. A visitation will begin at 10 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am. Jim will be laid to rest with his wife, Alda, at Mt. Moriah Cemetery following his funeral. Memorial Contributions may be made to either Atonement Lutheran Church, or Boys Town of Nebraska, their information is provided below.

Events

Funeral Ceremony

Start Date: December 29, 2021, 11:00 am
End Date: December 29, 2021, 12:00 pm
Atonement Lutheran Church
9948 Metcalf Ave.
Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone: (913) 648-0595

Visitation

Start Date: December 29, 2021, 10:00 am
End Date: December 29, 2021, 11:00 am
Atonement Lutheran Church
9948 Metcalf Ave.
Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone: (913) 648-0595

Final Resting Place

Mt. Moriah Cemetery
10507 Holmes Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64131