James Lee Wohlner

He was a devoted father to Richard Wohlner (Stephanie) and David Wohlner (Sandra), and a proud grandfather to Daniel Wohlner, Sarah Wohlner, and Olivia (Lily) Wohlner. He was predeceased by his grandson Joseph Wohlner.

Over the last two decades of his life, Jim found loving companionship with Annette Theriault. Together, they traveled the world and enjoyed the richness of shared time — making their later years full of warmth, laughter and meaningful connection.

Jim graduated from Hyde Park High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa in 1955. After college he served in the U.S. Army as a specialist from 1956 to 1958. He married Bonnie Koff (née Hoffberg) in 1958; though they divorced in 1968, they remained close friends throughout life. In 1972, he married Carol (née Schram) Cole, who passed away in 2010.

He founded Precision Laboratories, Inc. in 1962 and led the company for 33 years with a strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to customers. Jim believed in taking care of people — employees and clients alike — and was respected by many long-serving employees. The company continues to operate to this day.

A passionate outdoorsman, Jim found joy and perspective in wild places. He was an avid fly fisherman and hunter of game birds and waterfowl, traveling across North America, and beyond, to chase great experiences, elusive fish and capture striking landscapes. He was at home in a river canyon or behind a camera lens — filming family moments on Super 8 or photographing scenes that later appeared in outdoor magazines.

Jim had a lifelong passion for history, particularly stories of the American West, political leadership, military strategy and great contributors to human progress. He read more than a thousand books, appreciated art and photography, and had a deep respect for nature and outstanding character.

For more than 30 years, Jim spent the summers in Montana and in particular, West Yellowstone, Big Sky and the surrounding areas. Navigating trails, forging streams crossing with fly rod in hand, usually accompanied by either a good friend or his son David, he would collect memories that few others would have the opportunity to experience. His great joy would be in sharing a favorite fly pattern, fishing rod or just helping others at the local fishing shops or watering holes.

After retiring in 1995, he settled full-time at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Palm City, Florida, where he had been a member since 1986. He spent years golfing, biking, and fishing with close friends, and remained a devoted follower of the game of golf — both as a player and spectator. He appreciated the view from his kitchen, overlooking a small lake, where he loved bird and gator watching nearly every day the last 30 years.

As a father, Jim dedicated time to create meaningful experiences and lessons in life for his two sons. They embarked on their first road trip in 1968 and spent a lifetime pursuing adventure whether fishing remote rivers, seeing America’s national parks, skiing the slopes of the Rockies, or hunting game birds with their four English Pointers in the Midwest. He introduced his sons to the world of investing at an early age and encouraged common-sense thinking and entrepreneurship.

Jim lived with authenticity, clarity, discipline, and curiosity. He left behind a legacy that lives in the character of his children and grandchildren — in the way they speak, work, treat others and the way they see the world.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Joseph Wohlner Memorial Fund, Loyola University Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, Attn: Hannah Colbrook, 2160 S. First Ave., Maywood, IL 60153.

Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Jim’s memorial page at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wilmette-il/james-wohlner-12344954