James "Guggs" Michael Wagener

“I was born and now I’m dead” — Jim

Jim often said he wanted that line to be his whole obituary, but we knew in our hearts we had to honor the beautiful, full life he lived — a life that meant so much to all of us.

Jim passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by family and was the last of his generation.

Born on May 4, 1937, in Maumee, Ohio, he was the beloved son of Fred and Marcella (Pfleghaar) Wagener. Jim was born and raised in Maumee where he attended Maumee High School. He was a multi-talented athlete who played track and basketball, but had a special love for football. He was offered a football scholarship after graduation in 1955 to play football for Wisconsin, but joined the service instead. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary (Billmaier) Wagener, in March 1956 after dating her through high school where she was the homecoming queen and a majorette.

In 1959, he started working for the Andersons and joined the Maumee volunteer fire department. Both of which he stayed at for several decades when health complications caused him to retire. He absolutely loved the years that he was a fireman and cherished the work he was able to do for the community.

Jim was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He had a passion for gardening, golf, history, walking the bridle path at Sidecut, and playing with his grandkids. He also enjoyed spending time with his wife where they would go dancing or attend shows at the Stranahan. He was a Notre Dame fan and loved Groundhogs Day as his favorite holiday.

He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Norm) Wagener; daughters-in law, Becky and Jan Wagener; sister-in-law, Suzanne (Tom) Morgan; brothers-in-law, Richard Mullins and Michael (Linda) Billmaier; grandchildren, Jon Wagener, Jim Wagener, Jeff Wagener, Kimberly (Lupe) Barboza, Josh (Robin) Marsh, Justin (Alison) Marsh, Alex Wagener, Mary Wagener, Sarah (Matthew) Norton, and Becca Fox; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Jim will also be remembered by his extensive network of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 54 years, Mary; sons, James and Jeffrey; daughter, Tamara; brothers, Benny (Jane), Nick (Charlotte), Lee (Mary Lou), Al (Margie), Tom (Jaque), and Joseph; sisters, Bernadine (Frank) and Molly (Rich); and sister-in-law, Martha Mullins.

Visitation will be held at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee on June 5, 2025, from 4-8 pm. A graveside service will be held on June 9, 2025, at 11 am at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Maumee.

Please share any stories, videos, and pictures about Jim to the family at: WagenerStories@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

The family would like to thank those that came to visit and share stories with Jim during his last few weeks. Those visits meant the world to him.