James E. Wismar, 88, of 1961 Horner Rd., Wilcox, died late Saturday night, January 9, 2021 at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA following a short illness. He was born in Kane, PA on January 14, 1932 a son of the late Carl and Gertrude Marie Christsen Wismar, Sr. On January 31, 1958 in St. Anne's Church, Wilcox, he married M. Carol Nearing and she survives.

James was a 1951 graduate of Kane High School and after his time in the service, graduated Lycoming College in 1959 majoring in Psychology and minoring in Science. He then did his graduate work at Penn State University. He has resided in Wilcox since his marriage. James loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a voracious reader and loved to challenge himself with puzzles and science. He loved to write quotes that would inspire or help to heal and would always muse with "All journeys begin with the first step". He was very active as he belonged to the Elk County Republican Committee, was a life member of the Kane VFW, was a member of the Wilcox American Legion, Wilcox Sportsmen's Club, Kane Fish and Game Club, Pennsylvania Assn. of School Retirees, Wilcox Historical Society, Wilcox Library Comm., he had been the Chairman of the Jones Twp. Supervisors, was on the board of Wilcox Little League, the Elk County Planning Commission for which he had been secretary, was a volunteer with Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Wilcox Boy Scouts and Explorers as a Leader, Scoutmaster and Advisor.

He was a Korean era Air Force Vet serving overseas as an Airman 1st Class with the 310th Fighter Bomb Squadron, 58th Fighter Bomb Group, 5th Air Force.

James had retired from the Johnsonburg Area School District in 1994 after 35 years as a Special Education Teacher.

James is survived by his wife at home, 3 children; Wayne Wismar and his wife Kathy of Mt. Pleasant, PA, Donald Wismar and his wife Julie of Wilcox and Tricia, Mrs. Steve Brendel of Wilcox, 7 grandchildren; Mikael Wismar, Aaron Wismar and his wife Charmain, Alicia, Mrs. Kyle Mahoney, Amanda, Mrs. Joe Brussell, Anna, Mrs. Casey Kerr, Lindsey, Mrs. Nathan Hnath and Jessie, Mrs. Judd Zilcosky, 20 great-grandchildren, sisters; Fran Huey of Camp Hill, PA, Marilyn Dalton of DuBois and Donald Wismar of Simi Valley, CA. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He is predeceased by his parents, sisters Rose Welsher and Doris Cooley and a brother Carl Wismar, Jr. and granddaughter Elly Brendel.

A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial for James E. Wismar will be conducted at St. Anne's Church, Wilcox, on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor officiating. Visitation will be private.

Interment will be in Wilcox Cemetery.

Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home 401 Chestnut Street Johnsonburg, Pa

Military Honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg-Ridgway Servicemen's Details.

If desired, memorial contributions should be made to the Wilcox Fire Dept. P.O. Box 117, Wilcox, PA 15870 or to Make-A-Wish Foundation at secure2.wish.org.