James (Jim) Anthony Wagner, 86, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, July 17 in the Maryville Transitional Care Center at Morning View Village.

Jim was born on March 22, 1940, to Eph and Esther Wagner. He grew up in Universal, Indiana. He earned his degrees from Indiana State University and continued his graduate education at Purdue University.

Jim met the love of his life, Wanda Hood, at a Church Youth Rally. They married and shared 64 wonderful years together, building a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Jim devoted his professional life to education, where he inspired countless people. He began his career as a teacher in Elkhart, Indiana, before advancing to Director of Media, Assistant Superintendent, and eventually Superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools. He later served as Superintendent of the Lafayette School Corporation. His leadership and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on the communities he served.

Upon retirement, Jim and Wanda moved to Tellico Village in Vonore, Tennessee. They enjoyed 23 wonderful years there before relocating to Shannondale of Maryville, their current home.

Throughout his life, Jim's faith in Jesus Christ was a foundation. He was, in every sense, a fisherman—both for souls and fish. Whether serving as a teacher, administrator, elder, volunteer, husband, father, grandfather, or friend, Jim sought to encourage, teach, and love those around him. Few things brought him greater joy than spending time with his beloved grandchildren.

Jim and Wanda faithfully served as house parents for Shults-Lewis Children's Home while members of the Valparaiso Church of Christ. During that time, they were blessed to adopt their daughter, Kristy, and also opened their hearts and home to many children as house parents through a satellite home in Michigan City, Indiana. Their love and guidance helped shape countless lives.

In retirement, Jim continued his ministry through ten years of volunteer service with the World English Institute (WEI), a nonprofit organization that provides free English Bible correspondence courses to students around the world. As a Christian teacher, Jim helped students improve their English while studying the Bible. Through this work, he touched the lives of well over a thousand students, faithfully sharing both knowledge and the love of Christ.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Eph and Esther Wagner; his sister Brenda; and his son-in-law, Dave Menzel.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Wanda; his son, Tim (Cindy) Wagner; his daughters, Kim Menzel and Rhonda (Chris) O'Connor; his grandchildren, Ashton Wagner and wife Susan Yu, Zach Menzel, Jana (Will) Primdahl, Alex O'Connor, Matthew (Delaine) Wagner, and Nicole O'Connor; along with many extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A funeral service will be held on July 23, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, Tennessee 37803. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00, with the service at 11:00 and burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to one of the following in Jim's memory to continue helping others:

• Maryville Church of Christ
• Worldenglishinstitute.net/donate
• Info@shultslewis.org

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to their relatives, church family, friends, and the dedicated staff and caregivers who provided compassionate care and support to Jim.

Jim's life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, service, and leadership. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the people he mentored and inspired, and the countless lives he touched through his unwavering commitment to Christ. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.