Jim W. Wilber, 87, of Rochester, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 15, 2025, at Hickory Creek of Rochester.
On December 22, 1937, James William "Jim" Wilber was born in Sullivan, Indiana. He was the son of Basil and Mildred Louise Land Wilber. Jim graduated in 1955 from Carlisle High School in Sullivan County.
On May 17, 1958, Jim married his high school sweetheart Miss Doris Jean Booker. They became best friends enjoying over 66 years of life's adventures. From their union came two beautiful daughters, Kelly and Erica. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two handsome grandsons. Shortly following their marriage, patriotism beckoned and Jim answered the call serving our country with the United States Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and then attended Indiana University, Bloomington.
With a servant's heart, Jim was a vibrant member of the First Christian Church in Rochester. He served many years as Deacon. Community-minded, Jim was a past member of the Board of Trustees for Rochester Community School Corporation.
Professionally, Mr. Wilber served our community as the manager of Public Service Indiana. When the company transitioned to Duke Energy he was appointed field manager of high voltage tension wires.
In the early years the Wilbers enjoyed returning to southern Indiana, near Spencer to camp out under the starlit skies. More recently, Jim honed his woodworking skills creating family heirlooms and innovative ideas like fabricating card holders for his favorite card game bridge. He was skilled with welding, building custom trailers and car ramps. He was always forging new ideas to make life simpler.
An avid card player and supreme strategist for the game of bridge, Jim was a local Bridge-o-Rama competitor. He played duplicate Bridge in Plymouth and enjoyed Party Bridge at the Senior Center.
Left to cherish Jim's memory are a daughter Kelly Mills and husband Troy of Rochester; and two grandsons, Trevor Mills and wife Molly of Highland Village, Texas and Adam Mills and wife Liz of Centennial, Colorado. The Wilber family is expecting a great-grandson due to arrive in early November 2025.
Preceding Jim in death are his parents, beloved wife Doris on January 10, 2025, a daughter Erica Wilber on Sept. 28, 2018 and a brother Jack Wilber.
A celebration of the life of Mr. James William "Jim" Wilber will be held at 11:30 AM, Thursday, October 23, 2025, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. Pastor Mike VanHeyningen will officiate.
Friends may visit with the Wilber family an hour prior to his services. The Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the United States Air Force will accord military honors.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 1101 Madison St., Rochester, IN 46975.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com .
