In Memory

James Michael Wagner - Class Of 1971 VIEW PROFILE

James Michael Wagner

James "Jim" Michael Wagner

April 06, 1952 — February 02, 2026

James Michael Wagner passed away on February 2, 2026, at Hospice House, surrounded by his children. Jim was born on April 6, 1952. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norma Jean (Rinker) Wagner and Robert D. Wagner; his grandparents, Jesse Overholser and Arthur Rinker; and many aunts and uncles.

Jim is survived by his brothers, Chris (Marcia) Wagner of Granger and Terry Wagner of South Bend; his three children, Jason (Sam) Wagner of Osceola, Jennifer (Jim) Fox of South Bend, and Jared (Michelle) Wagner of South Bend; and his seven grandchildren: Ethan, Megan, and Audrey Wagner; Jimmy and Joe Fox; and Skyler and Thatcher Wagner. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim grew up in Roseland, Indiana, and actually went by Jamie until his teen years. He graduated from Clay High School in 1971. He spent a lot of time with his Grandma Jesse, who helped shape his stubborn streak. In his late teens, he entered his “hippie travel phase,” hitchhiking across much of the country. Alaska is the only U.S. state he never made it to — so his ashes may get taken there.

In the early 1970s, Jim worked for Jim’s Dozers in Florida, bulldozing land where Disney World now stands. So yes, he’s practically responsible for the happiest place on earth. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in his early twenties and was honorably discharged after a short time. He always loved this country and had deep respect for those who serve.

Jim married Becky J. (Borders) Wagner on August 14, 1976. They had three children: Jason, the loyal one; Jennifer, the mouthy one; and Jared, the perfect one (his words, not ours… mostly).

In the 1980s, Jim wore many hats. He and his brother Chris started Video Headquarters in Roseland. He later managed ColorTyme on Portage and eventually started Wagner Woods, his beloved garage woodshop where he made crafts to sell at festivals. That was his favorite job because he could be his own boss — and Jason’s. Jim also ran a fireworks stand in Roseland every July, which he enjoyed immensely, followed by a legendary Fourth of July party and firework show that probably violated at least three local ordinances.

Jim loved slow-pitch softball, where he was a great pitcher and had a talent for dropping a single just over the infield. He was a decent bowler and loved league nights — collecting cards for marks and joking with his buddies in a haze of cigarette and cherry cigar smoke.

His favorite pastime, however, was movies. Jim believed no movie should ever be out of reach. Whether he was (illegally) copying them on VHS, burning DVDs, or loading flash drives, he was determined to maintain one of the most “extensive” home libraries in northern Indiana. He proudly watched them on his beloved 85-inch TV. In the 1990s, he also enjoyed attending Elvis tribute shows with his family and was a big fan of the late Buddy King, who called Jim “The Mayor of North Liberty.”

Jim’s marriage to Becky #1 ended in 2009 after 33 years. He remarried briefly in 2012. Over the years, he worked at McGann Hay Funeral Homes, Lowe’s, and Gurley Leep. But his most important roles were Dad, PawPaw, and “Papa Wags” at American Legion Post 284.He found love again and married Rebecca Allman on September 5, 2020. They held a full ceremony and reception with no masks — which tells you most of what you need to know about Jim. They later separated in 2024.

Jim was a recovering alcoholic and had not touched a drop in 45 years. After smoking for more than 25 years, he quit cold turkey in 1994. His greatest lifelong addiction, however, was sugar. Ice cream, cookies, candy — if it was sweet, it didn’t stand a chance. He developed Type 2 diabetes in the early ’90s and eventually lost his right leg in 2016. True to form, he bounced back quickly and walked unassisted for years. He began dialysis in 2021, though he approached it the same way he approached most advice: selectively. As Elvis said, “I did it my way.”

Jim entered Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center on January 22, 2026 — in what doctors might professionally call “a medical mess.” He hadn’t felt well for months but was still determined to save his left leg and keep going. He improved for a while, but eventually his body and mind had fought enough. Jim passed peacefully Monday morning, after just eight hours at Hospice House, surrounded by his children.

He fought hard to stay with his friends and family — and if stubbornness alone could have saved him, he’d still be here arguing with us.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at American Legion Post 284, 23571 Grant Road, South Bend, IN 46619.

Friends and family are invited to an open house with light refreshments from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Please feel free to come and go during this time, share stories, and enjoy fellowship.

At 7:00 p.m., we will gather for prayer and tributes, which will be a more formal time of remembrance.

McGann Hay Funeral Home is honored to assist with arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" Wagner, please visit our flower store.