James R. Wilhelm

James R. Wilhelm, age 92 of Monroe, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Vibrant Life Senior Living with his family by his side. Born March 5, 1931 in Defiance, OH, Jim was the son of the late Rudolph and Hilda (Okuley) Wilhelm. He graduated from Monroe Catholic Central High School in 1949 and attended Cleary Business College in Ypsilanti where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Accounting. On February 5, 1951, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country during the Korean War for 3 ½ years. Before being honorably discharged on July 31, 1954, he earned the Purple Heart for injuries sustained from a mortar shell explosion. He was also awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. In 2014, Jim proudly celebrated America’s veterans when he flew to our nations capital via the Honor Flight Network. Two months after returning home from the war, he married his steadfast sweetheart, LuMelda Ann Baumia on September 4, 1954 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carleton. Together they raised four children. Sadly, she died on August 3, 1991. Four years later, he married Betty Aloisi on October 22, 1995 at St. Mary Catholic Church. She too preceded Jim in death on March 1, 2023. Jim’s employment history includes Consolidated Paper, Ace Paper Products, Newport Manufacturing, and Shatterproof Glass Inc. in Detroit. In 1973, he became the first Controller/Finance Director for the City of Monroe and later held the position of City Manager before retiring in 1991. Jim was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Monroe Council 1266 Knights of Columbus, Monroe VFW Post 1138, Michigan Municipal League, Detroit Beach Boat Club, Toledo Power Squadron, Toledo Yacht Club, and served as Treasurer of the Monroe County Korean War Memorial. His personal hobbies included boating, fishing, bowling, spending time with his family, dancing, and playing cards. Jim is survived by his children, Andrea (Paul) Hil of Monroe, Brian (Diane) Wilhelm of Monroe, Terri Schreur of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Beth (Dan) Mexico of Temperance; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four step-daughters; one step-son; and numerous step-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wives, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Katherine Plotts. Family and friends may visit from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, May 15th at Bacarella Funeral Home. At 7 p.m. Monroe Council 1266 Knights of Columbus will lead a Rosary/Litany Service. Jim will lie in state Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Mass of the Resurrection celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. David Burgard. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery with military honors provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138. For anyone interested in making a donation in memory of Jim, the family suggests supporting our local VFW Post or Elara Caring Hospice. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.