James Walter Wegner

We lost a dear friend James Wegner who passed away this past week at the age of 89. Born December 10, 1932, in Saginaw, Michigan, Jim later became a First Lieutenant and served in the Army Occupation Infantry in Germany between 1955/56. He was also a paratrooper and received an honorable discharge, serving in the Army Reserve until 1962.

At some point in his adult life, he wandered into the Pacific Northwest, where he embodied his love of art and music. Pieces of his artwork were featured at Seattle Center during the 1962 World’s Fair and grace Washington State’s Governor’s Mansion and the State Capital, as well as the walls of friends. His life-sized carving of Tenniel’s Alice in Wonderland stood at the entrance to the children’s area of the main Seattle Public Library for many years.

He loved to play bagpipes, drums of all sorts, wooden flute, shakuhachi - and most dynamic of all, the didjeridu. Jim brought the jungle alive with that instrument with grunts, cat shrieks, and deep rumblings, all the while keeping the beat lively. Affectionally known as “Seamus”, he was the official spiritual advisor to the Celtic bands “The Islanders 5” and "Celtic Magic" for 20+ years. Jim is predeceased by his parents, his sister Bonnie, partner Jim Bussard, and fellow band members Ron Konzak and Dan McClelland. Holding him in our hearts are Alan & Carol, Mickey, Linda, Kent & Polly, and Charlie & TJ, as well as the residents of Golden Tide Senior Apartments where he lived for 20 years and had many close friends.

There will be a burial with full military honors at Fort Worden in Port Townsend on June 1 at noon.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.