James "Jim" Joseph Wilhelmi

Jim was born on August 7, 1946, in Joliet, Illinois, to Joseph and Veronica Wilhelmi. He was the oldest of three children and was raised alongside his brother, Tom Wilhelmi, and sister, Mary Lou (Wilhelmi) Reidel. He graduated from Joliet Catholic High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University, a Master’s Degree in Engineering from University of California at Irvine, and obtained his Professional Engineering (P.E.) certification in California in Engineering

On August 2, 1969, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Mary Pat. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and service, sharing more than 56 wonderful years of marriage.

Throughout his career, Jim held several engineering and leadership positions, but his greatest professional joy came from being self-employed. In 1980, he founded his own consulting business, where he faithfully served his clients with integrity, expertise, and dedication for more than four decades, continuing his work until earlier this year.

Jim and Mary Pat were devoted members of their parish and generously shared their time and talents through numerous parish and school ministries. Their shared commitment to serving others reflected the deep faith that guided their lives.

Jim enjoyed spending quiet evenings reading spy novels and watching crime dramas on television. More than anything, he treasured Sunday mornings at the house, surrounded by family and friends, while cooking waffles with the help of the youngest grandkids sitting on the counter next to him. Jim cherished every opportunity to celebrate life’s milestones and create lasting memories with those he loved.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Veronica Wilhelmi, his brother, Tom Wilhelmi, and his sister, Mary Lou Reidel.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Pat Wilhelmi; their children, Karen (Mike) Miller, Laura (Steve) Hagedorn, Joe (Marisa) Wilhelmi, and Mike (Melissa) Wilhelmi; nine cherished grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many other loving relatives and dear friends whose lives were blessed by knowing him.

Visitation will be held at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, Texas 75220, on August 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday August 5th 2026 at 1:00 pm at Calvary Hill Main Mausoleum North.

Committal will immediately follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul North Texas at : https://www.svdpdallas.org/involved/donate

The family of James “Jim” Joseph Wilhelmi wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Baylor Plano Heart Hospital, and the staff at Harbor Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Jim and to his family throughout his illness.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Wilhelmi family.