James Henry Wichman

James Henry Wichman died Saturday, August 8, 2020. He was born June 20, 1938 in St. Louis, Missouri a son of Reverend Henry and Helen (Reed) Wichman.

After graduating from Elkhart High School, he went on to study communications at Devry University. From there he joined the army where he gained Expert level marksmanship in the Missile, Carbine and Rifle divisions.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He was referred to by his family as the "Great White Hunter of the North" because of his love of hunting. Anything from turkeys to elk to bear, but deer were his favorite! He would take regular fly in fishing trips into Canada where he would bring home his limit of bluegill! He also very much enjoyed snowmobiling and would take regular trips to Yellowstone and the U.P. with his buddies. During the summer he would tour around on his Goldwing motorcycle.

At 55, Jim took an early retirement from the telephone company to fully enjoy life and the outdoors. He eventually moved to his cabin in Reed City where he ran a successful word of mouth hunting guide operation.

In the '70's he raced stock cars at Kalamazoo Speedway and took home several first place finishes. He was always a fan of speed, racing anything on wheels or skis! He also owned "Jim's CB Shop" that he ran out of the basement of his Kalamazoo home. There he repaired broken equipment and sold new and used items.

He was always known for his wise cracking sense of humor and it was always his goal to lighten any mood with some bad jokes.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Merri Wichman. He is survived by his children, Kristie Wichman, James W. Wichman, and John W. Wichman; and a granddaughter, Harley Davis. Cremation has taken place at Langeland Family Cremation Center, 6628 Tall Oaks Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Private inurnment services will be held later. Services entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. To view James' personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com