James R Wenckus

A private Celebration of Life will be held in the future at his home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, The Salvation Army or charity of the donor’s choice.

Jim was a graduate of West Aurora High School in 1959 and Miami University, Oxford, Ohio in 1963 where he was a proud member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. During ensuing years, he received his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter degree and Increasing Sales Productivity from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

He was employed in the insurance industry for most of his career, moving up the ladder working for several companies, the last 21 years with Country Financial Insurance where he retired in Salem, Oregon as Regional VP Northwest Region. BUT, his true passion which he acquired later in life was being a triathlete. He ran over 80 marathons (including 100th Boston) and 15 Half Ironman triathlons and was ranked in top ten in the United States in the 60 year old age group. Pat always said he would have retired much sooner to devote even more time to his triathlons, except he needed to pay for the kid’s college tuition!

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years Pat (Renner), and two children: Jeff (Tracy), Portland, OR and Jacey (Chris Miller), Cleveland, Ohio. Also, one wondrous grandchild Kelsey Wenckus, sister Jamie Scott (Jeff), Terre Haute, Indiana and several nieces and nephews.

He loved his family, his career with Country, participating in triathlons, drinking Manhattans, playing cards and enjoying all sports (but especially the Chicago White Sox). He’s probably in God’s Dugout right now trying to get them back on track.