James Lamar Wise

James Lamar Wise, 58, of Shipshewana, died Monday morning, April 28, 2008, at his home.  He had been ill since August 2007. He was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on November 3, 1949, to Lowell and Maryann (Sime) Wise.  He married Gretchen (Kuiper) Goss on January 28, 2006.  She survives. Mr. Wise retired after 29 years in 2000 from ATT (formerly SBC) as new installations manager.  His last big job was for Notre Dame.  A 1967 Mishawaka High School, Mr. Wise attended Ball State University.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Goshen.  In 2006 he ran for LaGrange County Assessor.  He served on the LaGrange County Sewer District Board, and was a member of the LaGrange County Lake Association and Shipshewana Lake Association.  He was a big Notre Dame fan. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen; two children, Sarah Wise of Mishawaka and Andy (Susan) Wise of Plainfield, Indiana; three step-children, Julianne Goss of New York City, Kevin (Staci) Goss of Elkhart and Brian (Stephanie) Goss of Goshen; two grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and five sisters, Jean (Burdette) Norris of Topeka, Janet (Michael) Phillipson of Omaha, Nebraska, Peg Peak of Mishawaka, Pam Wise and Kim Sheldon, both of Osceola. Friends may call 2 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 1 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, May 2, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church, Goshen.  Pastor Alan Griffin of the church will officiate.