Birth date: May 5, 1950 Death date: Dec 22, 2023
Decatur – James J. Wrigley, 73, of Decatur, passed away Friday, December 22, 2023, at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL. James was born May 5, 1950, in Decatur, IL, the son of Robert M. and Esther Irene Wrigley. A U.S. Coast Read Obituary
Jim made me feel welcome at St Theresa when I enrolled as a Sophomore. I have thought of him through the years, respecting him and his choice to become police officer. God Bless Jim and his family. The Bible says ... Death is just a doorway to Reresection Life so I am sure Jim is with Our Lord. James Triggs
To the Wrigley family, I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I worked with him at the probation office for several years. He was an all around good guy and always treated me well.
Sincerely, Janie Jorgensen Young
In the 70's there was the Vietnam military draft for young men. Jim was of the age that this included him. It was a draft based on your birthdate and was 365 numbers from 1 to 365. If your birthday was the 1st drawn then your were high on the draft list. I was included, as well, and my number was 139. Jim's number was 364. Jim had a very low chance of being drafted. So Jim was "safe", right? Jim wouldn't have it and enlisted in the Coast Guard so he could serve his country. Jim was that kind of person but never asked for recognition or a thank you.
Years later, Jim graduated from college with a Master's Degree and used that degree to become a probation officer in Decatur, IL. He was assigned to young juveniles. This was perfect for Jim. He believed that if you help someone, sooner in life, then that person would be better able to choose to make positive decisions learned while in probation. He used encouragement, commitment, and role model tools to help these young minds to make better decisions going forward. Please understand that this position was very hard for anyone to do, day after day. I would tell you that Jim had a "calling" to help so many for all these years.
So, I asked myself, how did Jim make these unselfish decisions that didn't bring him positive recognition?
Jim was unselfish with his life, and preferred to do the things that mattered to others, and to make them better off.
I know Jim for these wonderful traits and now so do you!
Enjoy Heaven ... My big brother Jim - You So Earned and Deserve it!
Missing you now, but loving your Forever!
Your "little" brother,
Tom
In the 70's, there was a military draft for the Vietnam war. Jim, like all American boys of age, was part of the lottery system. Numbers 1 through 365 were drawn based on your birthday in the year. If you were No. 1 your were sure to be drafted. I was 139 based on 9/16 and sure enough Jim was 364 based on 5/5. I thought he was never going to have to worry. I was right Jim didn't have to worry, he enlisted in the Coast Guard because he wanted to help. Jim never gave it a second thought.
Years later, Jim graduated from college with a degree that enabled him to become a parole office in Decatur. He worked closely with young offenders and talked about how to encourage, support, and guide these young minds in a new direction - toward a belief that you can be a positive person. Jim did this for decades because he loved helping.
Most folks talk about helping - serving your country - helping others.
Well, Jim did all this and never boasted or looked back.
Jim, my big brother, I remember these things and now others will too.
My heart is broken, but my love for you lives on - Forever!
Tom
