James Wellington Wiltse

James Wellington Wiltse, 98, of Grayling, MI, passed away on December 27, 2017/ He was born in Saginaw, MI on July 5, 1919, a son of the late Mary (Moore) and Norman L. Wiltse. graduated from St. Peter and Paul High School in 1938. James was inducted into St. Peter and Paul Football Hall of Fame. He then served his country in WWII in the US Army, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, serving as a T-Sargeant.. Mr. Wiltse married the former Helen Franz on May 30, 1942. Helen preceded him in death on December 27, 1971. He then married the former Marie Londrigan on January 27, 1973 in Owosso. Marie preceded him in death on December 15, 2017. James career began in 1941 at Western Electric. In 1949, he went to work for Union Telephone Company in Owosso, which later merged with GTE, currently Verizon Telephone. James enjoyed fishing, golf, camping, and bowling. He and Marie were proud that they had visited all of the 50 United States and had made many friends all over the US that they had met in their travels. Jim was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and also served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. While in Grayling, he was instrumental in reactivating the Grayling Area of Chamber of Commerce. Survived by his children: Susan K. Wiltse of Dowogiac; JoAnne Wiltse-Neuberger of Grand Haven; and David (Patricia)Wiltse of Grayling. Also survived by 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Brother: Gerald (Donna) Wiltse of Saginaw. Preceded in death by his wife Marie; Brothers: Patrick, John, and Tom; Sisters: Betty and Mary Jane. A joint memorial service for James and his wife Marie will be held in the spring of 2018. Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood.com Arrangements by Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Wellington Wiltse, please visit our flower store.