James Glenn Wanish

James Glenn Wanish, “Jim,” age 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother received his heavenly reward on November 5th, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. 

Jim was born January 22nd, 1944, in Antigo, Wisconsin to the late Glenn and Marion (Feller) Wanish. The family relocated to California when Jim was a young boy. There he grew up with his family, including siblings, Jack and Kathy. He enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1965 where he served until 1971. Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in education from California State University, Fullerton. He then started his teaching career in the Los Angeles area.

While in California, Jim frequently traveled back to Wisconsin to visit family and enjoy the traditions of Wisconsin deer hunting. It was during one of these return trips when he was introduced to his future wife, Stephanie Zarnke, of Wausau. Jim and Stephanie were married August 7th, 1982. After marriage, Stephanie joined Jim teaching in California where they started their family. Shortly after the birth of their first son, Joshua, they moved back to Wausau and resided in Stephanie’s Grandpa Parsch’s home. Jim then took a teaching job at Birnamwood Elementary School. Jim and Stephanie were blessed with two more children: Megan and Nathaniel.

While teaching, Jim trimmed trees during summer breaks. He later transitioned into starting J.G. Wanish Tree & Stump Service full time. Jim enjoyed serving the greater Wausau community using the arborist technique of climbing to trim and remove trees. Jim’s wife and children were very much a part of the business. It was here where the foundations of hard work, integrity and family ties were instilled in his children. At the age of 60 Jim retired from full time climbing and began an 18-year employment with Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He retired from his work in environmental services at the age of 78.

Throughout his life Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys and friends, spending time with his grandchildren, family time at the lake, and helping his wife and sons in their business ventures. Jim will always be remembered for his unprecedented work ethic, willingness to lend a helping hand, selflessness, and easy-going, positive attitude. He remained positive until the day our Lord called him home.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Marion Wanish, and his brother, Jack. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Stephanie, children Josh (April), Megan (Eric), and Nathaniel, grandchildren Jolie, Jacob, Cooper and Tucker, sister, Kathy Waggoner, as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by all.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Dr., Wausau. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, November 15th at Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 2809 Jelinek Avenue, Weston, and again on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the teams at Aspirus Oncology, Aspirus In-Home Care and Aspirus Hospice for the blessings of the comfort and care they provided for Jim and his family. 

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care is assisting Jim’s family. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Jim’s name to The Joseph Project (Attn: The Cross Church, 740 Grand Ave., Schofield, WI 54476) or to Jim and Stephanie’s home church, Zion Ev. Lutheran Church 238143 Star Road, Aniwa, WI 54408

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” ~ Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

He won the race!

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” ~ Revelation 2:10 (ESV)