James T Wiater

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 James T. Wiater of Crete,IL passed away on November 18, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family, following a long battle with cancer.He was born on January 21, 1938 in Chicago Heights, IL to Aurelia (Buselmeier) and Walter Wiater. On August  6, 1960, he wed Karen McCormack and they were happily married for nearly 55 years.  Jim was employed by Ford Motor Co., Chicago Stamping Plant retiring in 2004 after 48 years of service. Following retirement he volunteered at Second Chance Resale Shop (South Suburban Humane Society) in Steger, Crete Lions Club Recycling Center in Crete and Community Outreach Food Pantry and Kitchen at St. Liborious Church in Steger. He was a life member of Crete Amvets Post 84 serving as Treasurer for more than 20 years and a member of Crete Lions Club.Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Karen and sister Geraldine. He is survived by sons Michael (Kimberly) and Mark (Patty), daughters Kelly (Rob) Johnson and Kerri (Dave) Spillers, grandchildren Jason Heldt, Justin, Zachary, Bradley and Alexander Wiater, Matthew and Kaylee Wiater, Alison and Zebulen Johnson, Collin Van Swol, Cayden, DJ and Nicholas Spillers, 3 great-grandchildren, his brothers William Sr. (Karen), Thomas (Barb) and sister Sandra (Melvin) Crouse and many cousins, nieces and nephews.Visitation to be held on Tuesday, November 21 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Crete Funeral Home, 1182 Main St., Crete, IL. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday November 22 at 11:00 AM. Burial at Skyline Memorial Park, Monee, IL will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jim€™s name to South Suburban Humane Society (www.southsuburbanhumanesociety.org), Community Outreach Pantry or Crete Lions Club.Jim was a junker and a joker known for his wit and love of humor which he maintained to the end. He was happiest helping others and making people smile and laugh. Those who knew him will not forget him and his family and friends will miss him dearly. “