James H. Wernke

On December 29th, James H. Wernke (Jim), devoted husband to Evelyn R Wernke (nee Haufler) and loving father to Lynn (John) Weil, Mike (Debbie) Wernke, John (Heidi) Wernke, Karen (Bob) Schwartz, and Doug (Jenny) Wernke, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 89.

Jim was born on April 26, 1933, to John and Rose (Meyer) Wernke. He grew up in the Price Hill area of Cincinnati along with his two brothers, Leonard and Raymond, and sister Dorothy Traut. He was a proud 1951 graduate of Elder High School where he played football and is a 1955 graduate of Xavier University. Jim and Evie raised five children together and both were influential in each of their grandchildren’s lives. Jim’s career as an insurance executive, most notably with Cincinnati Financial and US Financial Life, led to much success and lifelong friendships.

Jim was passionate about many things with his family topping the list. Other passions included football, racquetball, golf, sailing, hiking, and the Great Smokey Mountains where Jim and Evie visited over-and-over again with dear friends and family.

Jim was a man of great faith, and his warmth, kindness, integrity, humor, sweetness, and general good nature will be sorely missed by family, friends, caregivers, and those who’s paths he crossed during his 89 remarkable years.

Visitation will take place on Thurs. Jan. 5th from 9:30am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 held at Bayley Place, 990 Bayley Dr. 45233. If so desired, memorials may be made to Elder High School Athletics, 3900 Vincent Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45205. Radel Funeral Home serving the family, 513-451-8800 or radelfuneral.com