James J Wolke

CORTLAND - James J. Wolke, Sr. 79 formerly of Warren and Medina, OH died early Wednesday morning, February 15, 2017. He was born March 9, 1937 in Maple Heights, OH, a son of Joseph and Anne Wolke.

Jim spent most of working years in the construction trades and at one time owned a small swimming pool business. He served with the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division known as the Screaming Eagles from 1955 to 1958.

On December 29th, 1956 he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Barbara Ann Vacula with whom he shared many happy years until her passing on May 17, 2002. In addition to raising their four children, Jim and Barb are remembered for their generosity in opening their home to many of their children's friends in need of place to stay until they got their feet on the ground. Anyone was welcome to stop in and there was always room for "one more" for dinner. They taught many young people the value of hard work and accountability.

He was a great supporter of youth athletic and scholastic programs for not only his children and grandchildren, but for others as well. Jim helped establish a youth wrestling and summer tournament program at Buckeye Local Schools in Medina.

Jim was an avid Cleveland sports fan and enjoyed fishing and camping with family and friends.

He will be sadly missed by his siblings; Mary Ann Strand, Patricia Peterson and Christopher Wolke; his children; Cynthia (James) Shively, Sandra (Jerry) Mooney, James Jr. (Melanie) and Thomas (Megan Winchester); grandchildren; Carrie (Bart) Goble, Erin (Tony) Gabrovsek, Kasi (Chris) Brown, Joshua Plute, Sam Mooney, Rebecca and J.T. Wolke, and Erin and Kevin Winchester; 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that have many fond memories of "Uncle Jim."

Special thanks to the staff at Cortland Healthcare Center for the kind and tender care they provided.

A celebration of life party will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army of Warren, 270 Franklin St. SE, Warren, OH 44483. Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland and Son Funeral and Cremation Services Co., 271 North Park Ave., Warren, OH 44481, 330 393 9621.
Please visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary and send condolences.