James Edward Weisler

This is the story of James Edward Weisler.  Jim was the youngest of 4 children born to Oscar and Eleanor Weisler on January 20th, 1936. 
Jim (my dad) grew up in East Jordan, he was a East Jordan Red Devil's football player, and was proud to have been coached by Dan Devine. 
After graduation he married Shelby Disbrow of Central Lake and they had a daughter Mary "Missy". 
A few years later Jim re-married Lou Ann McGuire of Central Lake and had his second daughter Marcia. 
His final marriage to Ivah Hetherington of Central Lake was the love of his life. 
There was something about them Central Lake women that kept him entertained, an he was the "Don Juan" of the day.
All three wife's preceded Jim in death, as well as his daughter Mary.
My dad was a German decedent and his stubbornness was proof. 
If you were blessed to know my dad you experienced his stubbornness.
But, my dad also had many other sides that made him the wonderful man he was, and the best Daddy ever.
Many could give him labels that I am sure he lived up to, to the fullest.
He was a jokester, he loved to keep you laughing and if nothing else smile. 
He was quick with his comebacks and loved a good conversation. 
Seriousness, was never one of his strong traits. He was a believe it or not a patient man in my tender years,
 but that trait faded as the years went by.  He was set in his ways, and things had a right way and a wrong way.
And if it was "not" done his way it was the wrong way, period.  
He was a hard worker and never shyed away from work. He took on a challenges without hesitation 
and his wife Ivah right beside him. They were equally matched.
My dad was a masonry/builder in his younger years and was proud that he had helped build some of the larger structures 
still standing today. Original McLaren hospital being one of them. 
This is where my dad departed this earthly realm in the morning hours of April 13th,
to start his next chapter in the Heavens. 
Later in life he was the Head custodian of the Ellsworth High School, 
this is where he found much joy in his day to day activities. 
He could joke with the students and pull pranks on the staff. 
It was an endless supply of people for him to make laugh. 
It was during this time that my dad was probably the most active,
working full time, renovating his old farm house and living life on his terms.
Later after retirement he slowed down, never stopped making people laugh, but just spent more time enjoying family. 
With the three marriages my dad had acquired not only his two daughters,
but 11 other step children that he helped raise. 
The added responsibility was never seen as a challenge but an opportunity. My dad loved to have people around.
My family expanded my dad's to include a son-in-law (Pat Gibbard Sr.), 
three grandchildren (Patrick Gibbard Jr./Brooke)and their children Andrew, Addison and Nora.
(Alicia Lansing/Joseph) and their son's Logan and Jonah.
His name sake (Jamie Simon/Neil) and their children Blake and Kaylee.
My dad also had the Grandvue Family that he spent his final chapter with here on earth.
For Six years he had a new audience and he wore new hats. 
He was best known as Jim "AKA Trouble" an he wore his pin daily with pride.
He was known as the "Morning Greeter" he would spend his mornings greeting each staff that came to work
in hopes of putting a smile on their face or perhaps pulling a joke.
He was known as the "Candy Man" in recent years as he choose to hoard up candy
and distribute thru out the year to staff, children and Amish singers that would come into the facility to entertain. 
He had a heart for many and showed it in the way he knew best. Making them smile and treats.
My dad to me was a strong man, with great patience. He entertained me, but we butted heads just as often. 
I spend a great deal of time with my dad in the past couple years and learned to just love him on his terms and where he was at,
all while watching the light of who he was slowly fade. 
In his final week my dad engaged in a Zoom video chat with his family and enjoyed it a great deal. 
He was able to wish everyone a Happy Easter and express his love.
His last act of kindness was making up bags of Easter Candy for the Grandue staff so they would find them Monday morning when they came to work. I am sure he was watching from heaven as they were finding their treats. 
Rest in Peace Dad and may your audience in Heaven have a sense of humor. 
Love and miss you

Please share a memory of my dad and how he joked you, because I know he did.

A Graveside Committal Service will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Saint Joseph Calvary Cementery on Division Street in East Jordan. A light luncheon to follow at 1:00 P.M. at the Lighthouse Missionary Church at 7824 Roger's Rd. East Jordan, Mi.

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