Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at Covenant HealthCare-Harrison. He was 84 years old. James E. Wacker was born on December 13, 1934, in Zilwaukee to the late Albert and Pearl (Barkholz) Wacker. He was a 1952 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. Jim married Judith Ann Sheffer on January 15, 1955 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Zilwaukee; she survives him. He was employed as the city assessor for the City of Saginaw; retiring after 33 years of service. Jim then went to work as the assessor for Bay City and retired following seven years of service. He was a faithful, active, nearly 50 year member, of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church (Court at Bond). He enjoyed golfing even getting a hole in one at Valley View Golf Course. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, camping, and hunting, but absolutely loved to play Euchre. Jim was also an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He was, without a doubt, the Jack-of-all trades. Jim could always be relied upon to lead a sing-a-long at anytime. He recited from memory "The Old New England Kitchen" every Christmas Eve.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Judith A. Wacker of Saginaw; six children, Pam (Paul) Masker of Frankenmuth; Chris (Norm) Wilsey of Saginaw; Linda (Dave) Jordan of Linden; Jim Wacker, Jr. of Sugar Land, TX; Mike Wacker of Pasadena, TX; Sue (Bryan) Wagner of Saginaw; 13 grandchildren, Steve (Kara), Andy, Pete (Kelly), David, Heather (Megan), Mark (Rachal), Alex, Jake, Ashley, Kim, Kelly, Megan, and Nicole; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sally (Jack) Maine, Suzanne (Howard) Bank, Carol (Pat) McKee; and a special cousin, John Taylor. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Marion (John) Ozerites.
A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 18, 2019 at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 1020 Court Street (corner of Bond). Pastor David Naumann will officiate. A private family burial will immediate follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Jim will lie in state at the church on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church or the East Side Soup Kitchen.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603
