"I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim was such a lovely man to work with at HDR. Always so professional and just a kind human being all the way around. I know he will be greatly missed by those who know and love him. May memories of happy times you shared help ease your loss and bring comfort to you now. Praying the Lord holds you close and covers you with peace & comfort. With Heartfelt Sympathy"
In loving memory of
James Douglas Wermes
August 4, 1955 - September 11, 2022
James "Jim" Douglas Wermes, 67, passed away on September 11, 2022 following a nine-year battle with Stage Four Lung Cancer. Jim's battle with cancer earned him the nickname 'Miracle Man', as he consistently surprised his doctors with his tenacity and fight. Even though cancer took his Earthly body away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community.
Through it all, one thing remained constant: his daily commitment to his faith and his family. This was demonstrated through his 41 year marriage to his loving wife, Diana, and witnessed daily by his daughters, Jennifer and Christina, and sons-in-law. Jim was able to share his love of faith and family as "Bepa" to his five grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Rosemary Wermes and brother Patrick Wermes.
Jim held a myriad of titles and was a gift to many people; he was a son, brother, football player, wrestler, backpacker, fire fighter, husband, rock climber, homebuilder, race car driver, student, father, engineer, coworker, traveler, coach, youth minister, boss, mentor, photographer, father-in-law, grandfather, and retiree. Jim's ability to give of himself, his talents, and his skills were felt by those with whom he worked, volunteered, and loved.
In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Jim's memory through a donation to St. Joseph the Worker, a charity that Jim hoped to spend his retirement supporting with his time and talents.
A memorial rosary will be held on Thursday, September 22 at 5 o'clock in the afternoon at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary Chapel. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 23 at 11 o'clock in the morning at St. Patrick Catholic Community in Scottsdale.
For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/751793997
Tributes
"So sorry for your families loss Diana. You are such a strong, inspirational woman. Love to all the family. "
"I am so saddened by the loss of a great man, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all that met him. I?ve have been blessed to be a part of this family for nearly 24 years now and not a day will go by that I won?t think of and miss him fondly. My sincere condolences . "
"By the grace of God, we had the privilege of living across the street from the Wermes when our daughters were young. What a warm steadfast family. So thankful for their friendship. Just a few years ago Jim and Diana ministered love and encouragement to our family as Steve?s brother fought the same physical fight. Diana, Christina, Jennifer, and families, we are so sorry for your loss and pain. But thankful for eternal encouragement, we believe Jim has heard Jesus? delighted greeting ?Well done, good and faithful servant?Enter into the joy of your Master.? Matt 25:21 and He cares for you. ? Steve and Cheryl Cortright "
"Jim and I met many years ago when he was working for Timmerman Engineering. I liked Jim right away and we took several ski trips together (With our mutual friends). Jim was the "Rock" and the "voice of reason" when the rest of us came up with some hair-brained ideas about what great skiers we were. Maggie and I will pray for the family who needs all our support now.God bless you all. Joe Buffalin"
"Jim and I were colleagues at HDR and we had a great working relationship. My introduction to Jim Wermes was thru the officer nomination process and the Western Regions Ops Director made such compelling reasons for his promotion, I voted yes based on his testimonial, but had yet to meet him. We eventually worked together on a number of classified facilities. Jim was the voice of reason, developing immediate credibility in his craft and with our stakeholders. Our last trip together was a hearing where Jim and I were expert witnesses for the Government. Post trial the attorney sent a note thanking us and especially calling out Jim as their star witness! He forever will be a star in my book. God bless you Jim, and your family. Sincerely, Mike Doiel "