James Austin Wahle

James Austin Wahle

June 13, 1940 – July 6, 2024

James Austin Wahle, a resident of Orting, WA, passed away on July 6, 2024 after a lengthy struggle with Parkinson’s.

Jim was born June 13, 1940, in Ellensburg, WA, to Joseph and Francis Wahle. The youngest of five siblings, Jim spent his early years in Ellensburg before the family moved to Spokane. Jim grew up in Spokane and graduated from Gonzaga University in 1962. Concurrent with a stint in the Army reserve, he returned to Gonzaga and received his Master of Education degree in 1969.

Jim began his career as an elementary school teacher in the White River School District. After a few years with White River, Jim transferred to the Puyallup School District, where he remained until his retirement in 1992. Soon thereafter, Jim took up a part time position with the Social Security Administration, retiring once again in 2007.

While teaching in White River, Jim met Marita Deary, and the two were married in 1972. Their son Tim was born in 1973. Sadly, Marita passed away in 1977. In 1983, Jim married Nancy Cannella. Jim and Nancy lived in Orting and were together until Nancy’s passing in 2020.

Jim had a great love for film, literature, and the theatre. He and Nancy were frequent patrons of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, often attending multiple performances a season. He loved to travel, counting many national parks, as well as the Oregon and Washington coasts, as favored destinations. Jim also very much enjoyed gardening and biking, especially along the Foothills Trail through Orting. He was possessed of a tremendous sense of humor and an infectious, irresistible laugh.

Jim’s passing was preceded by his parents and siblings (Roy Wahle, Carol Hueneka, Catherine Cochran, and Joanne Hankins). He is survived by his son Tim, Tim’s wife Andrea, their children Daniel and Rebecca, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church in Orting on July 31, 2024. The mass will begin 10:00 AM and will be followed by a gravesite service at Sumner Cemetery at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Jim’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.