James Clifford Wetzel
5 Post Condolences
July 10, 1952 – January 5, 2025
James Clifford Wetzel, age 72, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on January 5, 2025, after fighting against a rare and aggressive cancer.
Jim was born July 10, 1952 in Alma, the son of Clifford and Shirley Wetzel. He grew up on the family farm in Ithaca with his three siblings, Chris, Richard, and Jerry. Jim graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1971. He then went to Michigan State University where he studied microbiology. It was at MSU where he met and fell in love with his wife Carol. Together they raised four wonderful sons. Fond memories include family vacations to Florida, riding four wheelers at the sand dunes, and going on pheasant hunts.
Throughout Jim’s life, he continued to work on the family farm, where he grew potatoes, carrots, onions, mint, and soybeans. Jim was known to be an extremely hard worker. In addition to farming, he continued his father’s legacy of building and selling soybean roasters. Jim was very determined to learn how to find a solution to any problem. He was mechanically inclined, and this was reflected in his work on the farm, around the house, on many rental properties, and through his work installing many solar panels for his family.
Jim went back to school at the age of 40 and became a registered nurse. He enjoyed working with his patients in long-term care for 25 years. Jim was a lifelong member of Ithaca Church of God. He served on many missionary trips over twenty years to Jamaca where he would help do concrete work and improve the facilities at the Jamaican Deaf Village through the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf.
Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Wetzel; their four sons: Kurt (Sitti Isha) Wetzel, Sean (Michele) Wetzel, Matt (Becca) Wetzel, and Travis (Madi) Wetzel; two grandchildren: Jacob and Lucas Wetzel; siblings: Christine Calkins, Richard Wetzel, Gerald Wetzel; two nieces: Ginger (Mark Johnson) Wetzel and Rachel (Adam) Chapko. Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Clifford and Shirley Wetzel; and niece and nephew: Melissa and Trevor Wetzel.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. January 10, 2025, at the Ithaca Church of God. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 9, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf where Jim served on many mission trips (https://www.cccdjamaica.org/donate/) or to the Ithaca Church of God (https://www.ichog.com/). Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.
Reader Comments (5)
Thoughts and Prayers to all the Family. Phil and Kathy Lombard
Thoughts and Prayers to all the Family. Phil and Kathy Lombard
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your dear family.
Greg and Polly Rinehart
Very sorry to hear of Jim's passing and the loss to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
David and Bonnie Bowen