James “Jimmy” Walter Wizner, 58, of Bemidji, MN died Sunday, January 10, 2021.
Services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 16, 2021 at St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Bemidji, MN with Fr. Michael Arey officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, with a 6:00 pm prayer service, Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
James “Jimmy” Walter Wizner was born to Walt and Jean Wizner on May 4, 1962 in Duluth, MN. Jim attended Bemidji schools where he played youth baseball, hockey and was a goalie for the Bemidji High School Hockey team. He graduated in 1981. Jim coached Pee-Wee and Youth Hockey throughout the 1990’s. He worked at the Minnesota Hockey Camp and truly loved seeing young players grow to their fullest potential. Jim moved to Corpus Christi, Texas in 1981 and worked on the oil rigs, a job he was especially proud of. In 1982 he began his painting career working for Fine Line Decorating in Naperville, Illinois. Jim was married in 1985 to Tracy Grillo and they had two beautiful children, Ashley Rae and Dylan James. In 1993, until his passing Jim worked for Bemidji State University in the Facilities Department as a painter. Jim excelled in his painting skills and with his inability to say “no” met many lifelong friends on the side jobs he loved. In 2005 Jim met the love of his life Teresa McGuire and they were blessed with a daughter Adair Julia who became part of a full and loving family.
As a child, Jim cherished spending hours at the family cabin in Cass Lake, MN, making memories with his brothers, sisters and friends. Throughout his life his best moments were spent outdoors hunting and fishing. Jim loved people, the bigger the crowd the better. Always the center of attention. Always a story to tell. Always a joke to share. He loved cooking for large crowds, a gift passed down from his mother Jean. Jim especially took pride in smoking brisket, staying up all night until it reached perfection.
Jim adored his kids and wore many hats for them. He was an advice giver, a best friend, and their biggest supporter. He was so proud of every accomplishment. The lessons learned and memories cherished, will forever lie in the pockets of their hearts. Jim left an imprint on every person he met, from complete strangers to his best of friends. He had the gift to connect with everyone from the youngest to the most elderly. To say he touched many lives is an understatement. If you were in need of anything Jimmy was the first one there. Always putting others before himself. No questions. No hesitations. He knew how to live in the moment. Jim loved deep and Jim loved hard.
He is survived by his wife Teresa, daughters, Adair (age 13) Ashley (Chris) Olsen and Dylan (Emily Mallek and unborn grandchild) Jim is also survived by three sisters and three brothers. Lynette and Karl Schindler of Glenwood Springs, Co, Jennifer and Mark Johnson of Bemidji, MN, Paula Leonhart of Roseville, MN, Jeffrey and Sharon (Mistic) Wizner of Blackduck, MN, Walter (Duke) Jr. and Sandra (Stern) Wizner of Queen Creek, AZ, Gerald (Jerry) and Nicole (Strand) Wizner of Cass Lake, MN. Jim is also survived by four Grandchildren, Landon, Colton, Millie and Kase that he cherished.
He is preceded in death by grandparents Frank and Tilly Wizner and Oscar and Alfreda Hallberg, parents Walter and Jean Wizner, sister Maria Wizner and brother-in law Lee Leonhart.
Jim will be remembered for his huge heart, quick wit, funny stories and his ability to love great. We ask that you keep his memory alive by continuing to share his stories with one another. We love you Jimmy!
