JAMES OTTO WILHELM, 80, of Winfield, Kansas, went to meet his Lord, Wednesday morning, April 10, 2013 at his home under the care of his family and Rivercross Hospice.

Born on July 19, 1932 in Cane Hill, Arkansas, he was the son of Clarence T. and Dessie Alma (Winters) Wilhelm. He was raised in northwest Arkansas and later Shidler, Oklahoma and graduated from Shidler High School in 1950. He also attended Ponca City, Oklahoma Business College

James was united in marriage to Doris A. Brown on September 12, 1951 in Webb City, Oklahoma. The couple made their first home in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He worked various jobs but mainly worked in the construction business throughout Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. He helped build various churches as well as helping the congregation build Blessing Heights in 1968. James worked in construction for 47 years, owning his own business part of that time. The couple moved to Winfield in 1980 where they have resided since. He was employed by USD 465 driving a school bus until retiring in 1999 due to health reasons.

James was a member of the Blessing Heights Church in Arkansas City, Kansas. He sang bass in a gospel quartet at the church for 11 years. He loved southern gospel music and enjoyed hunting, telling jokes, collecting coins and he had an interest in flying.

His family includes:
His wife: Doris of the home;
His sons: James E. Wilhelm and wife Shelly of Shidler, OK; Tommy L. Wilhelm and wife Trina of Shidler, OK; and Todd O. Wilhelm and wife Darla of Newkirk, OK;
His daughters: Rhenea Smith and husband Tim of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; and Andrea McNown and husband Scott of Winfield, KS;
His sister: Naomi Lamb of Sapulpa, OK;
His 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughters, Peggy Wilhelm and Christie LeAnn Sparks; his great-grandson Noah Hunter Wilhelm; his brothers, Clarence "Junior" Wilhelm and Dwight Wilhelm; and his sisters, Alma Rae Wilhelm and Joyce Marie Wilhelm.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 15, 2013 at the Blessing Heights Church in Arkansas City. Interment will follow at the Foraker Cemetery in Foraker, Oklahoma. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield on Sunday, April 14, 2013 from 3:00 to 7:00 P. M . The family will greet friends from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M., that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in Mr. Wilhelm's name for the Blessing Heights Church/Missions Program in Arkansas City, Rivercross Hospice or the charity of donor's choice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.