James A. Wildhaber

James A. Wildhaber of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away September 3, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.

He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1938, to Dorothy Schonard Wildhaber and Frank Wildhaber. His mother raised him in Chicago, where she waited tables in German restaurants, and where he eventually worked in one of the tallest skyscrapers in the Loop.

After being invited to leave assorted public, Catholic, and military schools, Jim graduated from Chicago’s Lincoln Park High. He served in the Illinois National Guard for two years, then graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1965.

His first and last employer was Standard Oil/Amoco, where he worked his way up from the mailroom to Manager of Office Services. Along the way, he attended night school to earn a master’s degree in finance. After 37 years, he was able to retire early, in 1994, to enjoy a life of leisure in Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Florida.

Jim was known for his sense of humor, hospitality, and talent for making friends wherever he went. He loved playing golf and, after “50 years of uninspired golfing” (his words), he finally scored a hole in one in 2012. He also enjoyed skiing and DIY, though in the latter case, he perhaps liked collecting tools even more than using them.

In Chicago, he filled Santa’s suit for several Christmases with Santa Claus Anonymous, giving gifts to needy children. He was a Friend of the Library in Park Ridge, Illinois. Friends and family also appreciated his generous donations to poker pots.

Jim was preceded in death by parents Frank and Dorothy.

He will be missed by surviving family, including his wife of 40 years, Marie Stanga; children, Julie Wildhaber and Jeff (Candi) Wildhaber; and brother Frank (Kay) Wildhaber.

Services will take place in St. Louis in spring 2026.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.