Jess Willard Wier

Jess Willard Wier, bass fisherman and quail hunter extraordinaire, left his home forever on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11:56 a.m.. Loved by his students, he retired from Shakamak High School in 1987 having taught advanced math and physics. He first started his career teaching at Sandborn in the morning and Edwardsport in the afternoons and then moved back to Jasonville in 1962 and taught at Jasonville High School until Shakamak was built.

He was born near Bogle Corner at home to George C. Wier and Emma M. (Miller) Wier on July 30, 1930. He was the youngest brother to Kenneth, George, Forrest, Alvie, Harry, Bob, John and an infant brother.

He attended the brick schoolhouse at Bogle Corner and then attended ISU intermittently with riding a Whizzer motorized bicycle to the South Bend/Mishawaka area from Jasonville to live with his brother to earn more money for college, and he worked at Studebaker or Ball Band. During one of these times, he was drafted into the Army and served as a corporal over six self-propelled 105MM howitzer crews from July 17, 1951 to April 20, 1953 in Korea. After his honorable discharge, the GI bill paid for the rest of his college.

NASA was starting their aerospace program and was enticing him with a job, but he decided to teach high school advanced math enjoying kids and summers off to fish.

He married Dejah Lorraine Wasnidge on April 5, 1955 having met her working the soda fountain at the drugstore in Jasonville before military service. Their daughter, Janice Lorraine Wier, was born September 14, 1956 and a son, Jesse David Wier, was born July 8, 1960.

In 1962, they moved to their present location and raised big gardens with dad catching fish and hunting small game to add to the fare. Being good people and Dejah being an excellent cook, their family members, friends and children’s friends frequented the place with laughter and good cheer.

Willard enjoyed staying in shape having boxed in his youth and earning medals on the swim team at ISU. Twenty years after college, he would still beat the high school boys in swim-offs. He tutored college students and biked 20 miles a day until his middle 80’s.

Survivors include his daughter, Janice and husband, Ed McBride with granddaughters, Chirsty Wier and Elayne Settles; son, Dave Wier with stepsons, Ian and Caiden Budd; many generations of cousins, nieces and nephews; Dejah’s family members; his day sitter, Kari Miller and her helpful family; friends, Steve Like, Gene Vanhorn, Richard Monday and lastly, his English Setter and-best friend, Buck.

Arrangements are entrusted to Michael W. Cox, Cox Funeral Home, 218 South Meridian Street in Jasonville. Visitation is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024 and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024 at the funeral home. Services are immediately following at 1 p.m. with Pastor David Smith officiating.

Interment will be at Lebanon Cemetery in Midland with Military Graveside Rites.