Born in North St. Louis in 1943. Son of Bernays and Margaret Wilder. Brother of Larry, William, Margaret, Bernard, Katherine, Mary Ann, Eileen, Michael, Patrick and Judy. Father of Theresa D. and Linda M. Wilder. Jim served in the U.S. Army 1962 to 1965, spending 2 ½ years in Germany. He also served 4 years in the Missouri Air National Guard. Jim was a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff for 5 years serving in the Patrol Division. He was retired from Carpenters Union Local 1739 St. Louis, MO. At age 43 he obtained an A.A. Degree in Building Inspection and law enforcement from Forest Park College. He also had a B.A. in management and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Jim was a St. Louis County Building Inspector for 10 years, the Deputy Building Commissioner of the City of Kirkwood for 15 years, the Building Commissioner of the City of Shrewsbury for 5 years, the part time inspector of Frontenac and Des Peres on and off for several years. Jim also served on the Des Peres Board of Adjustment. Jim was desperately in love with his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth Hartmann Wilder, they traveled together, she healed his heart and it was his lasting thought that God would allow him to spend eternity in her embracing love. Jim doesn’t like flowers but he did support Shriners Children’s Hospital of which he was a member, donate if you will — Shriners Children’s St. Louis | Children’s Hospital (shrinerschildrens.org).
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Road on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 11:00 AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
VISITATION: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 4 – 8 p.m.
Jim was like a second father and mentor to me. He always asked how my kids were doing. And he often offered advise when he knew I needed it. Our family will miss him dearly. It’s comforting to know that he has been reunited with his wife.
The sweetest neighbor, praying and thinking of you all!
I worked with Jim for 15 years and he was such a wealth of knowledge and such a kind, generous man. I will miss him and his stories. May he be at peace with Lisa and the pups.
Jim was my best friend, l’m going to miss our breakfasts together and especially our card nights. It’s comforting to know that he is with His Lisa now.
I enjoyed working with Jim on the Des Peres Board of Adjustment. He was always prepared. He will be missed.
Always enjoyed a good chat with our neighbor Jim. He was a wealth of knowledge about many things and always asked about our boys and their activities. A very generous and kind man. He will be missed.
Heaven gained an incredible Angel with Jim. We became friends when he and Lisa adopted Dash, their kindness and love was beyond measure. We have shared many meals and spent holidays together, conversations with Jim were the best. There is a huge void in my heart and I will miss our friendship. I am humbled to know that Jim bestowed the greatest honor one can have, to trust me with the care of his precious boys, Otto and Dash. Godspeed my friend, Jim go hold your Lisa and bask in the love and happiness of eternity.
Jim was truly one of the most caring and generous people I have ever known. While he was working in Kirkwood he was always my first call when I had a question. Truly a skilled and trained genius.
I consider myself lucky to call him a friend
I met Jim and Lisa through my brother Bill, they were both caring people. I will miss Jim’s friendship and our Thursday dinner and cards. Thank you for your friendship, you are missed.
Jim was a regular at my work so I saw him every week. He was always kind and made time to ask me about my day and my life. I loved asking him about his life. He once shared about a time when he was much younger and had to work a construction job in below freezing weather. I truly looked forward to seeing him every week and he will be missed!
Jim & Lisa were good neighbors; friendly & welcoming when we moved in. When Jim learned that my Dad was interested in our family’s genealogy he researched and found information for us. Such a sweet man. We are sorry for your family’s loss.
I became friends while working with Jim while working at Kirkwood. He was always willing to share his knowledge. He was also very generous in everything he did. He will be missed.