James Lester Wohler, 78

An extraordinary man passed peacefully from this life Nov. 14, 2017, due to complications after mechanical heart pump surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.

James “Jim” Wohler was born to Lester and Hilda Wohler on May 16, 1939, in Melrose Park, Illinois. He attended Proviso High School in Chicago and Western Michigan University where he played both sides of the ball as a tight end and defensive end, graduating with a degree in education in 1962.

He met the love of his life, Judy, in college at a party where Jim was singing “Johnnie B. Goode” and they were married in 1962. They settled in Utica, Michigan, and welcomed three children, Joan, Eric and David.

In 1977, Jim moved his family to Kalispell where his career shifted from building houses to working for Coca-Cola. He transferred to Great Falls in 1987 where he became the Coca-Cola plant manager. He retired from Coca-Cola in 1999 and started his “second career” as the “Great Harvest Bread Guy.” He loved the bread store customers as much as they loved him.

A man who lived his faith, Jim was a volunteer at Camp Mac-A-Dream and was active in his Bible study, Men of Faith group, and church choir at Faith Lutheran.

Jim cherished his grandchildren and had a unique ability to make each one feel special in their own way. He approached life with great enthusiasm and he maintained his positive, joyous outlook until his last breath.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Judy, his children and their spouses, Joan and David Miltonic, Eric and Carla Wohler, and David and Darcy Wohler. He is also survived by his “7 Heaven” grandchildren, Mark, August, Elise, Jack, Daniel, Ali and Alex.

Jim’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1300 Ferguson Drive, Great Falls. A reception will follow.

“Though we will miss you greatly, Papa, we will strive to live your legacy, and ‘Keep Our Faith.’”