Walter James "Jim" Wesselmann

Walter James "Jim" Wesselmann, 82, of Columbia passed away peacefully in his home on Sep. 24, 2026, fortified by the Rites of Holy Mother Church and surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Columbia on March 13, 1944, the son of Walter Joseph Wesselmann and Mildred Mary (Gerke) Wesselmann, who preceded him in death. After attending high school in Columbia, he then proudly served our country in the United States Airforce as a Sergeant. He was united in marriage on Nov. 22, 1969, at First Baptist Church of Wright County to Judy (Davidson). During their blessed 57 years of marriage they had eight children. His greatest joy was his family. In his dedication, Jim worked very hard owning and operating Wesselmann Pole Frame Buildings. He brought happiness to other families by establishing Pineberry Farms, a choose and cut Christmas tree farm. Jim enjoyed card nights with the boys and good conversations on the back porch.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Mindy (Jeff) Demsich, Caree Wesselmann, Kayla (Jay) Spry and Bethany (Manny) Wesselmann; sons, James (Cindy) Wesselmann, Daniel (Terri) Wesselmann, and Andrew (Puay) Wesselmann; brothers, Dale (Karen) Wesselmann and Donald (Cindy) Wesselman; sisters, Helen Ancell and Glenda Wagner; grandchildren, Josie Spry, Poppy Spry, Adley Spry, Teller Spry, Ozlo Spry, Patrick Gage Wesselmann, Misty (Demsich) Kaffer and John Demsich. He was also preceded in death by: son Patrick Eugene Wesselmann, sister Janet (Wesselmann) Fahlsing. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Roberto Officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia.  The family appreciates floral Expressions of Sympathy or asks you to plant a tree in honor of Jim. Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Wesselmann Family.