James "Jim" Wivinis

JAMES WIVINIS IDAHO FALLS, ID -- James Fredrick Wivinis, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2008, at Idaho Falls Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born Nov. 25, 1925, in Chicago, Ilinois, to John James Wivinis and Ethel Marie Carlberg Wivinis. He attended Morrill Elementary and Tilden Technical High School in Chicago. After serving in the Air Force, he attended Wilson Jr. College in Chicago and Northwestern University. James worked as a draftsman for a steel company in Chicago before joining the Air Force in 1944 during World War II. He served with distinction as a crew member on a B-24 bomber serving with the 8th Air Force in the European Theatre of Operations, completing 38 combat missions. As a Staff Sergeant serving in the 406th Battalion as an Armored Gunner, he flew combat flights in the battles of Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe, receiving three Bronze Battle Stars, the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European-African, and Middle Eastern Theater Ribbons. While serving with the 407 Bombardment Squadron, he received five Air medals and four Oak Leaf Clusters for meritorious achievements while participating in aerial flights against the enemy under hazardous and adverse flying conditions. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he was employed by Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago as a draftsman. On October 25, 1952, he married Verna Lee Hoffman, in Chicago. They had two children , son Tom, and a daughter Karen. He also had a step-son, Jimmy. They were divorced in 1970. James transferred to Argonne West in Idaho Falls when the Hot Fuels Examination Facility was transferred to the Idaho site. He worked as a draftsman for Argonne National Laboratory until his retirement in 1987. On Oct. 17, 1978, he married Donna Genelle Ferguson Phillips in Elko, Nevada. She passed away in 2000. Jim and Donna enjoyed traveling and watching movies. Jim was a big movie buff and a diehard Chicago Cubs fan. He is a member of the Hope Lutheran Church. Survivors include: Son: Thomas Fredrick (Lisa) Wivinis, Downers Grove, Illinois Daughter: Karen Louise (John) Bader, LaGrange Highland, Illinois Step-son Henry James (Cathy) Richards, Chicago, Illinois Step-son: Alan Eugene (Idana) Phillips, Idaho Falls, Idaho Step-son: Rodney Dewey (Naomi) Phillips of Flagstaff, Ariz. Step-daughter: Connie Jean (Howard) Nelson, Roy, Utah Step-daughter: Sandra Gay (Douglas) Wood, Idaho Falls, ID Step-daughter: Donna Faye Farnes, Idaho Falls Step-daughter: Nancy Jane (Kenneth) Johnson, Bellevue, Wash. Sister: Shirley Mae (John) Mahoney, Naperville, Ill. Good friend: Briana Weller. 23 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren , six great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, step-son James LeRoy Phillips, and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Ave. The family will visit with friends Monday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Tuesday one-hour prior to services, both at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery where military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and Idaho Honor Guard. The family would like to give our sincere thanks to the health care professionals at the Aspen Hospice and Home Health, Idaho Falls Health and Rehabilitation Center, Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and Turtle and Crane. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Vince Muir Jim and I worked together many years at Argonne and enjoyed each other's company. He was an excellent employee that I could depend on - please accept my condolences on his passing. Vince Muir Esther Johnson My sympathy goes out to Jim's family. He was a great guy, always cheerful and positive. E. Mark Williams Family Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time. We are so sorry for your loss.