James (Jim) Wagner

James (Jim) W. Wagner, born on August 31, 1932, in Indianapolis, IN, passed away at Cumberland County Hospital in Burkesville, KY on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the age of 93.

Jim was the son of Edmund Charles Wagner and Anna Flora (Schulteis) Wagner. He was raised on a small farm where his family grew produce on the near west side of Indianapolis. Shortly after graduating from Ben Davis High School on June 1 st , 1951, Jim joined the United States Air Force. He enlisted on August 2 nd , 1951, and became a Ground Radio Operator, serving in the Pacific during the Korean War. During his service he earned the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star. Jim was honorably discharged in 1955.

On August 16 th , 1958, Jim married Wilma Juanita Allison at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Indianapolis. Together they had three children, Allison, Dan, and Valerie. Jim was a union truck driver and drove a route delivering to Standard Grocery stores in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Later Jim and Wilma divorced but remained friends until her passing in 2016. Jim spent 38 loving years with companion Wilma Johnson.

Upon their retirement, and many seasons camping nearby at Dale Hollow, together they built a home on Ashlock Rd, where they resided together for more than 20 years before Wilma’s passing in 2022. Jim was a member of Teamsters Local 135, the VFW and later in life he attended Ashlock Christian Church. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Edmund (Bud) and wife Theresa, Don and wife May, Marvin (Darby) and wife Rita, two sisters-in-law, Barbara Wagner and Doris Wagner, and sisters Rita (Junior) Portish, Dolores (Red) Downton, granddaughter Elizabeth Parrott and son-in-law Gary Culwell. 

Jim is survived by brothers Joe Wagner of Greenwood, IN and Paul (Dorinda) Wagner of Baltimore, MD. He is also survived by his children, daughter Allison Culwell of Indianapolis, IN, son Dan (Becky) Wagner of Waldron, IN and daughter Valerie (Scott) Key of Campbellsville, KY, six grandchildren, James (Kate) Wagner, Matthew Parrott, Darcie (Juan) Lucena, Ray, Lorelei and Augusta Wagner as well as great grandchildren, Bennett, Jonas and Vivienne Wagner. He is also survived by members of Mrs. Johnson’s family and dear friends and neighbors, Cindy and Gary Shoopman and family.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 4-8 pm and Saturday November 22 from 11 am to 1 pm at Clay County Funeral Home, 423 Brown St, Celina, TN. Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 22, 2025 at 1:00pm in the chapel of Clay County Funeral Home with Bro. Willie Kerr officiating. Burial will follow in Williams Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Williams Cemetery by contacting the funeral home.

Clay County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931) 243-5050