James Wagner, 85, passed away on September 16, 2026.

Born and raised in Berea, Ohio, Jim returned to his hometown in 2019. As a student at Berea High School, he excelled in football and track and field and, in 1957, became the first recipient of the Don Spillman Memorial Award. He went on to earn a degree in Mathematics from Baldwin-Wallace College, where he was a member of the school's 1961 undefeated and untied football team under legendary coach Lee Tressel.

Jim began his career in education and coaching at Medina Highland High School near Akron, Ohio, where he married his beloved wife, Margaret. He later transitioned to industry, working for Bethlehem Steel, before returning to Ohio with his family and settling in Canal Fulton. There, he rekindled his lifelong passion for education, earning a Master of Education degree from the University of Akron and dedicating more than 30 years to Akron Public Schools as a coach, mathematics teacher, athletic director, and administrator.

Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed serving his community. In Canal Fulton he supported Little League athletics, booster clubs, Rotary International, and his church affiliations. After retirement, Jim and Margaret lived in Stuart, Florida, and Clover, South Carolina, where he enjoyed golfing and continued community involvement through the Lions Club and church activities.

An educator and athlete at heart, Jim was passionate about helping students succeed and took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Nothing brought him greater joy than supporting and celebrating their academic and athletic achievements.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Wagner (Richens); his father, John G. Wagner; his beloved wife, Margaret Watson Wagner (Mairs); his sister, Alice Prahst; and his brother-in-law, Michael Kirschner.

He is survived by his sisters, MaryAnn Wagner, Joanne Wagner, and Karen "Kitty" Kirschner; his brother, Dale Wagner (Chris); his children, Scott Wagner (Theresa Smith), Mark Wagner (Kim Dell-Wagner), Susan Snow (Michael), and Julie Colella (Brian); his grandchildren, Stephanie Wagner, Zachary Wagner, Audrey Snow, Matthew Colella, and Marin Colella; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held at Baker-Kensinger Funeral Home on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Following the visitation, Pastor Joel Montgomery will conduct a brief memorial service at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.