James Michael Wiles

James M. Wiles, age 80, of Upper Arlington, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was a successful lawyer, mentor and businessman who took great pleasure in his profession. A proud 1963 graduate of St. Charles Preparatory School, Jim received his Bachelor degree in 1967 from Xavier University, where he played varsity football, and his Juris Doctor degree from Ohio Northern University in 1970. He began his long legal career as a litigator at Wiles, Doucher , rising to the position of Managing Partner of Wiles, Boyle, Bringardner and Burkholder, a firm that eventually became Isaac Wiles. He could “hold court” with the best of them whether in the legal arena or over the dinner table.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim was often found on the golf course at Scioto Country Club or The Golf Club. When the weather turned cold, he was with his beloved golden retrievers hunting in South Dakota at the Brule Conservation Trust or at the Ottawa Club. After hunting season, he ventured to the Florida Keys where he spent his time fishing on the reef or entertaining friends with Paula at the “dog house.”

Jim was loved and cherished by many friends and family. He had a particularly special relationship with his two granddaughters and never missed an opportunity to support them. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Rosaleen Wiles, and his brothers Arthur Wiles Jr. and Robert Wiles. He is survived by his wife, Paula Waldvogel Wiles; brothers Dan Wiles (Cynthia) and Tom Wiles (Pam); son, James Michael Wiles II (Cheri); and granddaughters, Brogan and Dillon Wiles. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, November 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Mother of Mercy Chapel at St. Charles Preparatory School Chapel (2010 E. Broad Street. Columbus, OH 43209). Following the service, friends and family are invited to Scioto Country Club (2196 Riverside Drive. Columbus, OH 43221) to remember his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Dementia Society of America or St. Charles Preparatory School.