James Wiest

James "Jim" Wiest, 82, of Louisville, Kentucky, died into eternal life on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.

Jim was born to the late Georgia Johnson and Raymond Wiest in Louisville, KY on June 21, 1940. Raised in Tennessee by his grandmother, the late Lula Strunk, Jim returned to Louisville where he met his beloved wife of 59 years, Billie Jane Ashley. Starting as a bag boy, Jim worked for Winn-Dixie for 41 years, retiring in the position of Grocery Merchandiser. He organized many charitable events for the company over his years of employment. In his younger days Jim also served in the Army National Guard in Vietnam. Jim loved to play golf, make jokes and spend time with his precious grandchildren. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Westport Road Baptist Church and was an active supporter of First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain where his daughter is pastor. Jim was a kind, generous and gregarious person who never met a stranger.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Booker. Remaining to give thanks for his life are his wife, Billie Jane Ashley Wiest and his daughter, Rev. Ashlee Wiest-Laird, his son-in-law Dr. Lance Laird; his grandchildren, Naim, Aidan and Mycah; his brother David Wiest and many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him deeply.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, and Receptions (235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243) from 12pm-2pm with a Celebration of Life to begin at 2:00pm. Jim's final resting place will be at the Alexander Family Cemetery in Brownsville, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Jim's honor to the Food Justice Program of First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, 633 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130.

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