James Henry Wessel

November 20, 1935 - July 16, 2019

Jim was born in Seymour, Indiana, where he met and married Virginia, his wife of 62 years. He was predeceased by his parents Virgil and Bertha (Redicker) Wessel, brothers Eugene, Robert, Richard, Victor, and Charles Wessel; and grandson Tyler Wessel. Jim is survived by his wife, Virginia Wessel (Borcherding), siblings Agnes Dailey, Janet Behrens, and Allan Wessel; daughter Debra Turk, sons Scott Wessel-Estes, Jeffrey, Matthew and Timothy Wessel; and more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim entered Concordia Lutheran Seminary where he studied for the ministry in Springfield, IL. He was ordained at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Seymour on June 20, 1965, then served three congregations for a total of 37 years of active ministry: Our Redeemer Lutheran in Bloomington, Illinois; Calvary Lutheran in San Lorenzo, California; and Upper Arlington Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio. Jim also served as a chaplain in the Army National Guard for 35 years and retired as a Major in 1995. Jim was always ready with stories about growing up on the farm. Family was important to him, and Jim was extremely happy to have such a large and diverse family. He was known as kind and caring husband, father, grandfather, pastor, neighbor and friend. After retirement, Jim and Virginia lived for a time in Howard, OH before settling in San Diego near their daughter. His family thanks the Lord for his faith in Jesus. He knew forgiveness and life in Heaven through that faith. A memorial service will be held at Community Lutheran Church in San Diego, CA on September 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., with burial in Seymour, Indiana on October 12, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the “Imagine the Possibilities” program at Community Lutheran Church, 3575 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92027, or at www.clcfamily.org.