Jim Wieland

James Thomas Wieland, 90, of Sunrise, went to be with the Lord on the morning of February 13, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. His peaceful passing followed an 8 year battle with a little known auto-immune disease called Sjogrens Vasculitis. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of nearly 65 years, Arlene Wieland. He is also survived by his children, Krent Wieland and Heather Pomeroy, their spouses, Susan Wieland and Randy Pomeroy, four grandchildren, Amy Wieland-Carlson (Spouse Kristian Carlson), Chelsea Wieland (James Gould), Kylee Pomeroy (Fiance’ Brad Neville) and Jordan Pomeroy (Fiance’ Matthew Novak), five great grandchildren, Austin Avery, Dylan Avery, Brayden Carlson, Peyton Novak and Wyatt Pomeroy Thiel, 3 brothers, Roy Wieland (surviving his wife Margaret), Daryle Wieland and his wife Edith, Cliff Wieland and his wife Carol, along with a long list of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Jim was born in Bay City, Michigan on April 13, 1925, to Matthew and Lydia Wieland. He served his country in the Air Force during World War II and will be interned with full military honors. He married Arlene Feller in 1951 and the two began a beautiful family and lifetime together. He loved his wife beyond measure and spoke often of his adoration for her. Jim and Arlene moved to Florida in 1972, and so began a legacy that will continue long past his time with us on earth. Jim was an extraordinary man and family leader whose Christian faith was unwavering. Through the years he volunteered for The Gideons and various prison ministries.

In the early 1970’s he founded a retail furniture and design store called Contemporary One on the Galt Mile, then later went into design and consulting as Wieland Design Associates, specializing in custom residential, office and yacht design. He had an incredible, creative mind and was well known for his innovative and timeless sense of design, which he put to work for 11 years at the 1st Baptist Ft Lauderdale Christmas pageant, where he was responsible for set and prop design. After his retirement Jim was often involved in helping out with design renovations at Plantation Baptist Church. He was also quite accomplished in the art of furniture upholstering and woodworking, talents he gleaned from his time spent working in the family furniture business, Wieland Furniture. Jim was extremely proud of his family and his heritage, in particular, the family legacy with regard to design and creativity.

Jim, known to his grandchildren as Oppie and Grampy, was a gentle and loving grandfather/great grandfather who was absolutely adored by all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His Christian leadership and faith were evident in all that he did and said and he led his family by example every day of his life.

As he succumbed to illness, Arlene cared for him with unparalleled strength and unconditional love, a true testament to their bond and marriage. Before his passing, he often shared his wisdom and thoughtfully constructed advice. His words will never be forgotten by any of us. In his final days, he showered his family repeatedly with “I love you” and enjoyed nothing more than to hold our hands. Though he is no longer here with us on earth, he will never be forgotten. We know that he is with the Lord, that he has been given new life, and that he will one day run to greet us at the gates of Heaven. Until that day, we will honor his life, his legacy, and the phenomenal family patriarch that he has been to all of us.

Visitation will be at Forest Lawn, 6401 Davie Road, Davie Florida at 6:00pm this Friday, February 19th. The memorial service will be at the same location on Saturday February 20th at 3pm. Interment will follow immediately and there will be a repast in the ‘Dignity’ room at the north building with light fare refreshments served. At that time, anyone wishing to speak about their time with Jim are encouraged to do so, as a microphone will be available. The family would love to hear what anyone has to share.

If anyone would desire to make a donation in lieu of flowers, they can make a check out to Compassion International and mail it to Krent Wieland Design, 101 SE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, Florida. From there, Dad and Mom’s account information will be added and the contribution sent to Compassion, enableing the family to acknowledge and thank all involved.