James Douglas Wiley |
| Posted 2008-12-13 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Camp Verde Bugle, Camp Verde, Arizona Friday, December 12, 2008 James Douglas Wiley passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, in Cottonwood, Ariz. at age 87. He was born to Cecelia and James D. Wiley in Winslow, Ariz., July 2, 1921. After graduating from Winslow High School he worked on the Santa Fe Railroad to put himself through Phoenix College. He served in the US Army in the Pacific from 1943 to 1945. After the war he attended the University of Arizona where he graduated with a degree in Business and met his wife of 53 years, Barbara. They were married in Tucson and settled in Phoenix where they spent most of their married lives. He had a long career at the Valley National Bank, starting as a community affairs officer. His last position as personnel director for the bank led to his appointment as State Personnel Director under Gov. Raul Castro. He was active in the Phoenix community where he made many friends. Some of his many activities included Valley Beautiful, American Heart Association, State Personnel Commission, and the Don's Club. He was particularly proud of his work with the Boy Scouts of America, which awarded him the Silver Beaver Award. In 1978, Barb and Jim moved to Cottonwood where he continued to be active in the community, serving on the board of the Verde Valley Manor, as one of the founders and board members of Stockman's Bank, and as owner of Mingus Mountain Medical Supply. Jim built his dream home on the slopes of Mingus Mountain where he and Barb enjoyed many years together until her passing in 2000. His love of the Arizona outdoors included hunting, fishing, and backpacking and was passed onto his family. Jim had a quick wit, loved telling stories, and was a great cook. His indomitable positive attitude was visible to all and is his greatest legacy to his children. He is predeceased by his sister Eileen and brother Robert. He is survived by his sister Patricia of Adrian, Minn., his son Tres and his family in Scottsdale, Juli Mead and her family in Castle Rock, Colorado, and his 5 grandchildren, Brad, Grant, Caitlin, Daniel and Kyle. Information provided by family members. |
Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.
Questions About This Project?