"we don't know many folks who had more close friends than jim wiley. we count ourselves fortunate to be among them. it's sort of funny...for the first several years we thought his first name was wiley. we don't really remember when elly confessed that his name was not wiley delong. it might have been around the time of the millennium. 1900 version.we travelled with jim and elly, we spent time in each other's homes and we shared books, experiences and tales. not once do we recall a single moment of churlishness or argument or even disagreement. unless you count that one time we suggested that just maybe there is global warming.... jim managed to locate the democrat line on ballots about as often as we did the republican. but we were new yorkers and jim and elly are from somewhere between new york and california. notwithstanding, he treated us to one of our great weekends ever...the indy 500...and we learned about america. we are gratified that we got to spend a few days with jim and elly in carmel this past spring. we are mournful at his passing and at our being deprived of his company for planned future adventures together. our prayers are with him and elly and his family.david and candice miiler"
In loving memory of
James Wiley
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
James (Jim) Gordon Wiley, Jr., 79 of Carmel, passed away on November 17, 2007. Jim was born on October 4, 1928 in Kokomo to the late James Gordon and Mary Robinson Wiley. He attended Broad Ripple High School, graduated from Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, New Jersey then attended Butler University. Jim had been a resident of Carmel for more than 20 years.
He proudly served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War Era. He, his father, Gordon, along with brother, Hugh, were owners of Miller Steel Company in Kokomo, Indiana. After the company was sold, Jim founded Wiley & Associates where he continued to remained active until recently. He attended Northview Christian Life Church in Carmel.
Between high school and college, Jim spent two summers as a deck hand on tramp steamers, where he traveled the world, visiting many different ports of call. This is when he developed a life-long passion for traveling and a love of world history.
Jim was a loving husband, caring father, doting grandfather and a gracious and cherished friend. He had a genuine zeal for life and a warm and generous smile that was contagious. He was always eager to lend a helping hand; he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with friends and family and was frequently known to vacation up to two months a year. One of Jim?s and wife, Elly?s favorite destinations was Anguilla where they spent weeks at a time with scores of friends who would fly in from destinations throughout the US and Europe. Jim was always a talented and avid athlete and especially enjoyed his Sunday tennis matches at Five Seasons and skiing in Colorado with family and friends.
He will be missed by so many, especially his family who survive him: his dear wife, Ellen (Elly) DeLong; daughter, Carolyn Louden and husband, Rick; son, James (Jay) Gordon III and wife, Kim; daughter, Christine (Kiki) Raymond; grandchildren, Jason, Jordan, Elise, Nikki, Matt and Meg; siblings, Hugh Wiley and wife, Cathy, Penny Kailing and husband, Reed; mother-in-law, Rebecca DeLong , sister-in-law, Bo DeLong-Cotty and husband, Phil; sister-in-law Valery DeLong.
The entire family extends a special thank you to Jim?s personal physician and friend, Dr. Victoria Bignal. Family and friends will gather on Monday, November 19, 2007 from 4:00-7:00 PM in Leppert Mortuary, Smith Carmel Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held in the Northview Christian Life Church on Tuesday, November 20th at 4:00 PM. You are invited to visit our website: www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a memory, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to Wheeler Mission Ministries, 245 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or The Next Chapter Campaign % Northview Christian Church, 5535 E. 131st Street, Carmel, IN.
Tributes
"Wiley. Wiley played tennis with Judy Carmichael on Anguilla Elly and Sag had cocktails, Wiley played bocci ball with Judy, Elly and Sag had cocktails, Wiley worked out in the gym with Judy, Elly and Sag had cocktails, Wiley tried to explain why it seemed to other guests at Cuisinart that he had two attractive blonde wives, Elly and Sag and Judy just smiled, for nobody would have thought ill of Jim for this minor indiscretion - he really was handsome, fun, smart and nice enough to deserve whatever he wanted!As another set of New Yorkers, leaning a tad more to the left of Jim and Elly, there were, on occasion, the times we agreed to disagree - at least WE did, I secretly think Jim always walked away thinking "crazy east coast liberals" but you know what? He never made us feel he loved us any less or tried to "convert" us, he "put up" with our silliness and we got down to just having a good time. Of course there was that one time at Blue Waters when he had to drag Elly and I out of Trattoria Tramanto.... but I digress.David and I are honored to have had Jim, in such good spirits and apparent health, at our wedding in May and will miss him (and Elly) on our upcoming honeymoon to Anguilla. However, I suspect Jim might make it to Anguilla anyway - as his spirit now soars free and I'm sure if not on it's way to Aspen, or staying by his beloved wife we'll just all smile Wiley makes fun of Eudoxie on Scilly Cay, reads a book on Meads Bay, takes a walk on Rendezvous Bay and encourages us to follow his fun-loving/sun-loving enthusiasim for the island he loved so well. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with his family, his vast and varied collection of friends and Elly - we will miss him but we will never forget him.David and Ellen"
"Tom and I are very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We hope his wonderful memory and his spirit will always be with you for comfort and peace With love, Sue and Tom Raymo"
"Jim the man that drove more miles than anyone I ever knew. He spent more time traveling than most and always enjoyed being with friends. He never looked his age and could beat most of us playing tennis. I am sure we will see Jim at top of the mountain. "
"Jim Wiley was part of our circle of Anguilla friends. A kind man whose friendship came into our lives about 6 yrs ago. Each year we looked forward to our vacations that Jim and Elly were part of. Will always remember Wiley with a big smile and a GREAT tan. With great sorrow we morn his passing But his spirit of friendship will always remain in our hearts. Jim will be missed in this circle of friends. Our deepest sympathy to his loving wife, Elly. Wiley, may you rest in peace. "
"Elly, We are so sorry. Our hearts are with you at this time. We were so looking forward to spending time with you and Jim on the cruise. Our thoughts will be with you this week. Take care. Pat"
"We were blessed to have known "Wiley", to have travelled with him and Elly, to have been to their home, and to have met their friends, who have become ours. We will miss his booming voice and his wonderful smile. We are saddened by his loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to Elly and their families. We are glad that we flew out to Indianapolis this Spring to meet up with Wiley and gang for dinner at St Elmo's. Can still remember the very surprised look on his face when he walked into the restaurant and we were sitting there! We also saw him at Sag's wedding in NY in May. We will miss him on future trips. Our love to you, Elly! Sorry we couldn't be there with you. "
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elly and family and those who loved Jim. We will hold dear the image of the two of them sitting together at Blue Waters. Jim smiling his magnificent smile and Elly beaming beside him.Our deepest sympathy."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Elly and Jim's family in his passing. We were honored to have known Jim and to have spent some memorable times with him and Elly. He traveled to California to visit us and loved the mountains. He is now on the highest mountaintop. He will be greatly missed. He had a passion for life and great love for his family and friends. Our love and prayers are with Elly and all of Jim's family. "
"A class act.....always a gentleman, always well dressed, always a great story, a pleasure to be with. We feel blessed to have known Jim, and honored to have been his friends. We will truly miss our times together."
"Jim, a truly unique individual, lived with an incredible zest for life. Happy and enthusiastic, he always had a way of making everybody around him feel happy. He will truly be missed by many. Elly, I hope all the good times you've had will be of strength to you. Jim looked quite dashing in his tux by the way."
"Jims smile was legandary. We will always remember it as we recall the perfect host, storyteller and friend. He was an amazing travel guide and was inspiration to us both in how to live a life well, well lived!Elly,we hope your wonderful memories sustain you now and that Carolyn, Jay and Christine and all the family know how special Jim was to so very many people."
"As Elly knows, I have known Wiley over 30 years, since the single lifestyle at Autumn Woods Apartments in the late 70's...the time of Gritzbe's, Friday's and Lucifer's (the Devil's Triangle). As the years progressed, we would see each other occassionally, but it wasn't until he met Elly that we spent quality time together. Thanks to Elly, our favovorite all time trip was the "barge" trip in France after spending a few days in London and Paris...so many great memories that are clouded by too many cocktails and fine wines. We were privileged to have been invited to their house for many delightful dinners, where Wiley always made sure he had my "Oklahoma" mixings. Debbie and I will always count Wiley and Elly our close friends and relish all the memories of our times together. We are privileged to have known Wiley and to be considered a friend. We'll miss you, Wiley!"
"Jim knew how to live life well. My last visit with him was some 30 plus years ago in Pasadena, CA and I still remember his kindness and fabulous smile.To Penny and Hugh, and Carolyn, Kiki and Jay ,You have wonderful memories to fondle and nurtureand keep alive. His is only a thought away.My best to you all,Ginny"
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"Jim was a great friend to my parents and to our whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with Elly and the rest of his family."
"Jim was one of the few people I have met in my lifetime that lived his life like so many of us wish we could. Quick with a smile and engaging with a story, he inspired those that knew him to enjoy life to the fullest. I always enjoyed his visits, and especially enjoyed his stories about his travels with Elly. Whenever we visit Harbor Springs, we will have a drink at Legs Inn in honor of a true gentleman and adventurer.Our thoughts will be with you, Elly."
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"(jennifer Daellenbach's aunt)"
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"So sorry for your loss. May passing time, caring friends and loving memories work gently through the coming days to help comfort you and your family."
"We are so sorry about Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We love you both ."
"Elli, we are so sorry that Jim's illness took him. He fought so hard to stay alive. I know your family and many friends will be a great comfort to you. Know that we are thinking and praying for you.Sincerely,Bill and Ann"
"Jim was a long-time friend and a tennis partner of Jeff's at the Carmel Raquet Club where we enjoyed many fun Tuesday nights playing the game and then breaking away for a cold beer (or two) at Dooley's accross the street. He maintained a definite competitive edge well into his 70s, and all of us only wished we could be as healthy and in shape as Jim when we reached his age. Jim and his wife, Elly, were always fun to hang with when our tennis "team" got together socially. We enjoyed (and were often envious) hearing about all the exotic travels that Jim and Elly enjoyed and hoped we could one day win the lottery so we could join them! Jim was blessed with a rich, rewarding life, the company of a beautiful, loving wife and the support of a wonderful family and many, many friends. May we all enjoy such blessings. "
"I have known Jim as a business aquaintance since the late 80's with my work at BADA. He suggested then that I keep an inventory log of our steel every day and printed up the sheets for me to use. I still use the same sheets and system! It was always a pleasure to visit with Jim. He would fill me in on the steel industry, but mostly we talked about our families and Jim's latest scheduled trip...I will miss him our visits."
"I had known Jim Wiley for many years and through those years he was always the same; warm, compassionate, friendly, charming and always well dressed. Then along came a wonderful gal named Elly and together they made beautiful music, they were the perfect complement to one another. They shared many wonderful travels and always were a pleasure to be around. The music will be a little softer now but will never end, it is eternal.With fond and indelible memories.....ann"
"Though I did not see Jim often, he was always a pleasure to have in my office. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Jim was a very special person. He truly loved life and made the most of it!Sherri Supinger"
"Jim will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him. He was a great friend to our family and we will all miss him. You are both in our thoughts and prayers."
"dear elly & family...... my condolences to you and sorrow for your loss.... my memory of your dear husband will always be his beautiful and warm smile.... ... best regardsjudi (hedge) lee"
"Jim always had a smile on his face and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. "
" Jim was a dear friend; a shining star of American warmth, hospitality and kindness, who lit up the space around him. We had the great good fortune to meet Jim and Elly on a sailing holiday some ten years ago, where we found ourselves sleeping in adjacent 'coffins' - yes, the cabins were that small - so, of course, we got to know each other really well, really fast. They made the whole trip such fun we were thrilled when it was suggested we all repeat the whole, mad experience, but this time on a bigger French boat (larger coffins) with a distinctly bolshie crew - a cowering, little roast duck comes to mind! And then Jim and Elly together introduced us to the delights of their special place, Anguilla. Our vacations were always characterised by the 'restaurant reservations list' - the Wiley speciality -with every evening turning into an impromtu party. We will miss your pithy, amusing little emails; we will miss discussing the football versus soccer question; we will miss seeing the latest Wiley 'special holiday shirt' - always very snazzy. Jim was a dear friend and his passing leaves a space in our lives which will stay unfilled. We also send our prayers and condolences to Elly. We will be thinking of you all the time in Anguilla. Raymond & Lynn AirtonRowlands Castle, England"
"I met Jim 14 years ago, and was instantly amazed at his zest for life, and all it had to offer.I had just started out as a rep at the time, and I found Jims advise to be quite helpful and comforting at a time when apprehension and fear are easy to come by, as you start a new venture.Through the years, we shared many sales call, stories, dinners and a few cocktails together. Through it all, I have always been impressed and touched by Jims generousity, kindness and thoughtfulness.His work ethic and love for what he did were things that I have been able to draw upon, and whether he knew it or not, he had a great impact on successes that I have had as well.The legacy that Jim leaves is not one of only a a great person to be associated with from a business standpoint. But rather, I think his true legacy is simply that he was a great human being. He is someone that we are all better for knowing, and sharing time with. I know that the loss of Jim will impact us all in different ways, but we all have one common theme in having known Jim, and thats that we have all lost a great person in our own lives, whose spirit is irreplaceable.I will miss him so much.Jim, thanks for all that you did for me, and I'll think of you often.Elly, you are in my thoughts and prayers.Sincerly,Doug"
"My DadHe was a very special man and friendAnd I thought the world of himWe talked about all sorts of thingsWe skied togetherWe watched football games We had our political differences...We shared lots meals And even more wineWe laughed We shared our faith in ChristWe talked about traveling, our favorite destinations And places we wanted to visitI'm going to miss"
"Elly, Death is for the living, and we want to express our deepest sympathies for the death of Jim to you both, our deer friends. WHAT A GUY! Who COULDN'T love him? From the time we met the both of you ( 6 or 7 years ago), we loved the both of you! Sorry for being so remiss in our response, as we have had our own family challenges in this past year, but as they say, God doesn't give you more than you can handle (although some days I have my issues with him!) There are MANY memories we will cherish of Jim, most on Anguilla, but also taking the the time to visit our humble abode in Delaware. As you both know, our fondest memory will be of Jim kindly forgiving Christian (our son) for letting his raft go out to sea on Christmas Day several years ago. Ironically, our SeaDream cruise stops on Anguilla Christmas Day again this year....and you know we'll be on Shoal Bay toasting Jim and you ( and his raft) before our lunch at Gwen's (but NOT before several rum punches from Uncle Ernies!) Our Love and best wishes to the both of you, great friends forever! Love, The Clays.....Timothy Jon, Rosemary, Chandler, Christian and Lilly (the beagle)"
"Through the years, I lost contact with Jim, but he ran into my mother , Jane Keplinger, in Lafayette about a year ago. He asked about all of us: Ann, Jason, Ryan & myself. We have all grown up & have our families now, but "Uncle Jim" as we all knew him.......still cared enough to inquire about our lives when emailing back and forth with my mother. I'm glad to know that he was able to see photographs of my husband & our 2 daughters, Molly & Claire, prior to him leaving us. I still have a photograph of the two of us lovingly side by side in my dress with Raggedy Ann on the front & a cherished photograph of us embracing at Culver Academies Final Ball in 1992. "You will be missed, Uncle Jim." Our families prayers and condolences are extended to your family and wife, Elly. "