James L. "Jim" Wagner Sr. 82, Ada, MN, died Friday, May 26, 2017, surrounded by his family at Benedictine Care Community, Ada, MN.

James Leo Wagner was born March 3, 1935, in St. Cloud, MN, the son of Leo and Veronica (Theisen) Wagner. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Catholic Church in Morton, MN. He graduated from Morton High School, and started working in the logging industry.

On December 29, 1954, Jim was united in marriage to Kathleen (Katie) Chmelar, in Morton. They moved to Ada in 1957 and Jim established the Wagner Sawmill. He always enjoyed the wood industry and worked in that capacity nearly all his life. He also established the Wagner Walleye fishery in Ada.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, and the great outdoors. He treasured his family and spending as much time as possible with grandchildren was very important. Jim served on the board of the Wild Rice Watershed and was also active in numerous sports clubs in the area. He enjoyed all sports and lived life to the fullest.

Jim is survived by his wife, Katie, daughter-in-law, Brenda Wagner, Ada, MN, his children, Robert (Paula) Wagner, Moorhead, MN, Patricia (Loren) Olson, Ada, MN, Lisa (Byron) Chisholm, Osakis, MN, Michelle (Greg ) Peppel, Olivia, MN, 20 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, two sisters, Doreen Alexander, Las Vegas, NV, Mary (Roger) Kodet, New London, MN, several nieces and nephews, foreign exchange son, Bonny Dimayuga, and summer time son, Jay Farkas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Jim "Jungle", a sister, Arliss Rex, a brother, Maurice Wagner, and a foster son, Jim Weber.

Funeral Mass: 11:00AM, Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: Tuesday, May 30, 2017, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a 7:00PM prayer service at the church.

Interment: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.