James "Jim" V. Wigtil

Dr. James V Wigtil, age 87, passed away on August 13, 2026, in The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He was born in Fargo, ND, on December 28, 1938, to the late J. Vernon and Jeanette V. (Helgren) Wigtil. Jim went to grade and high school in Moorhead, MN. He and JoAnne Berge were married October 11, 1958. Jim then completed his B.S. Degree (Business Education, Minnesota State University, Moorhead) in 1960. Jim completed his Master’s Degree (Counseling, University of North Dakota) in 1962 and his Doctor of Education (Counselor Education, Indiana University) in 1966.

His professional experience included: business education teacher (Cavalier, ND) 1960-61; school counselor (Breckenridge, MN) 1962-64; lecturer (Indiana University) 1965-66; lecturer (Ball State University European Program) 1974-75; Chair and Professor (The Ohio State University) 1966-95; Chair and Professor (School of Education, North Dakota State University) 1996-2004; and Academic Affairs Vice President (Valley City State University) 2004-06. He was appointed Professor Emeritus at both The Ohio State University and North Dakota State University upon his retirements.

Jim’s professional service included President (1994-95) and Journal Editor (1977-80) of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision; President of the Association for Specialists in Group Work; President of the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision; and President of six state university associations. He also authored/coauthored over 20 articles/book chapters.

Jim enjoyed his time with family, which included traveling, snow skiing (until age 80), boating and spending time at the lake in Minnesota and Hilton Head Island. Throughout the years, he traveled extensively to many countries with JoAnne and was a loyal Buckeye and Bison fan. He excelled at many sports over the years to include, curling team in 1960, many church and city softball teams in North Dakota and Ohio, slalom water skiing, intermural basketball, and ice skating.

Jim was a man of faith and a previous member of the former Lane Avenue Baptist Church and more recently attended Northwest Nazarene Church of Columbus, Ohio. He was also a member of several clubs to include The Ohio State University Faculty Club, The Ohio State University Buckeye Club, and ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) which consisted of a group of Ohio State professors who met for lunch monthly.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. JoAnne Wigtil of 67 years; daughter, Julie Wigtil; son, Jon (Heidi) Wigtil; and his favorite and only granddaughter, Brecken Wigtil. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis; and several close family members.

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00PM at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus 43221, with a reception to follow until 4:00PM. Inurnment will be at a later date in North Dakota.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at The Ohio State University Hospital and the Hospice of Central Ohio for their wonderful care of Jim during his long illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH 43055, and to the Northwest Nazarene Church, 5707 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43235, or to a charity of your choice.