James Walter Wehsener's Obituary
James Walter Wehsener, 94, of San Diego, California, died July 14, 2025. James was born and raised in Blue Earth, Minnesota, where he worked on family farms. He joined the US Marine Corps, and later moved to California in 1956, to raise a family rooted in faith. He was a devoted husband, and cherished time with family. He founded JW Electric and volunteered at church and in the community, coached youth sports, and was an avid skier.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years Shari; six children Jama Dluehosh, Walter, Tom, Paul, Chuck, and Chris Wehsener; nineteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Arlene Pearson, and Kathy Deforge; five nephews and one niece.
A memorial service will be held at Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist Church, San Diego, California. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the Wehsener Family requests that donation be sent to the Missions Fund at Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist Church to support those who are serving the Lord around the world.
At the link below select Missions in the drop down, and James Wehsener in name space. https://clairemontemmanuel.churchcenter.com/giving
Eulogy for James Walter Wehsener
James Walter Wehsener exemplified his love of God, Family & Country in all areas of his 94 years. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Shari; Two sisters: Arlene Pearson and Kathy Deforge; Six children: Jama Dluehosh, Walter, Tom, Paul, Chuck, and Chris Wehsener; Nineteen Grandchildren: Joshua, Julia, Jeremiah, Cassidy, James, Tommy, Jordyn, Joanna, Alexa, Chad, Morgan, Ty, Jimmy, Sammi, Chase, Russel, Cole, Clay, and Max; and six Great-Grandchildren: Turner, Beau, Nico, Woods, Urijah, and Della. As well as 5 nephews: Bob, Jimmy, Jeff, Marc, Brent; and one niece, Brenda. Born December 9, 1930, in Blue Earth, Minnesota, to parents Julia Augusta and Walter James Wehsener, he was the only son of their 5 children, whom they raised rooted in a steadfast faith, together on their family farm. At age 10, Jim became the man of the family, when his father was injured and later died, as the result of a farm accident. He took on many responsibilities of helping his mother with his sisters and working the farm. Despite the hardships, Jim had so many fond memories of life in rural Minnesota and loved to share stories of his youth & antics. Jim excelled in sports at Blue Earth High School in: Varsity Football, Basketball, Track & Baseball. After graduating in 1949, Jim took over the operation of Uncle Herb’s farm and raised the top-producing dairy cows in Faribault County. During the Korean Conflict, Jim decided to enlist in the US Marine Corps, which meant the family had to move off the farm. He was proud to serve his country, even though he was not obligated to, as the only son of a widow. During his time in the Marines, he learned electronics and aircraft repair, training at both Camp Pendleton, California, and Jacksonville, Florida. He was later stationed at El Toro airbase in California. In 1953, Jim was discharged and returned to Blue Earth. He put his electronics training to good use by working for a local appliance company doing deliveries and repairs. Eventually, Jim was able to pursue his many loves: Skiing, dancing & Sharon Belau. He took a train to Sun Valley to learn to ski, danced through the summer to the Big Bands with Shari, and finally the two were married, June 18th, 1955, at Salem EUB Church in Blue Earth. They honeymooned in Aspen, and lived in Blue Earth, But not for long. Soon after taking a trip to visit Jim’s sisters in San Diego, Shari decided that she preferred the beach to the farm. California was where she wanted to make their home, so along with Jim’s mother and two younger sisters they relocated in 1956. Jim began working as an electrician in Hemet where their first child Jama was born. The little family moved to San Diego in the fall of 1957 and Jim entered the IBEW apprenticeship program while working for Balam and Stringer Electric in Bird Rock. Jim was a quick learner and became a journeyman electrician. By the early 60s he had obtained his contractor’s license and in 1965 he started his own company, JW Electric. By this time, sons: Walter James, Thomas Paul, and Paul Allen had been added to the family. Then, Charles Andrew, and finally Christopher John completed the team in 1968. Jim worked hard as an electrical contractor and yet still had time to coach football, baseball, and Alpine ski racing. He was involved with Y-Indian Guides, PTA, his extended family, and church activities. The family took many memorable RV trips. Jim loved music especially because it gave him the opportunity to dance. He and Shari were often the center of attention swinging on the dance floor! Jim enjoyed golfing, but his greatest passion was skiing! He was deeply involved with the San Diego Ski Club and spent a great deal of time in Mammoth Mountain. However, his true love was Aspen, Colorado, where he purchased a property in 1969. He enjoyed many years with his family skiing on his favorite Aspen Mountain, Ajax until the age of 93. Jim’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was always active serving in his church. Living a life defined by faith and service, he faced every challenge with prayer, perseverance, and good old elbow grease. Hard working and hard playing, Jim always strove to do his best. He excelled as a son, brother, farmer, athlete, teammate, husband, father, contractor, coach, uncle and friend. He lived his life as a Godly man and model of Christianity, which inspired many who knew him. Jim Wehsener has left a legacy of love for God, Family and Country. His memory will always guide those who loved him. We will miss Him—but we hold the joyous certainty that by FAITH, we will join Him in our heavenly Father’s presence for eternity!
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