Jim has read many books about the war in Europe and in the Pacific, including biographies of the Generals in Europe and the Admirals in the Pacific. “I think General McArthur was a great inspiration to his men fighting in the jungles,” Jim said. “He tried to keep them from losing sight of what they were fighting for. All the battles were terrible. The only appeal for me was that my father fought on those islands, and I wanted to know more about those particular battles.” Jim feels the lessons of the time period are important for everyone to learn.
A Family Tradition OF SERVICE
With everyone in his immediate family having served in the military, Jim Wise has very personal reasons for studying World War II long after his father was stationed in the South Pacific. He’s read many books on the subject, books which he donated to the Masonic Village at Dallas so others may study the important battles and heroes who fought for our country. Jim’s father served in the Army, as did Jim and one of his brothers. He was in Korea from 1965-1966. Another brother retired from the Navy and the other served in the Air Force in Greenland. Jim’s sons carried on the family tradition, with one serving in the Army and one in the Air Force. “All of my family enlisted instead of waiting for the draft because my grandparents and great-grandparents were immigrants to the United States,” Jim said.
“My brothers and I were taught to be proud of our country and to fight to protect our country. I served, did my duty, made friends, lost friends, came home and picked up my life the best I could.”
“Unless you live in the times, it is hard to just read about what happened and try to apply that to your life, but I believe it is important to study the past, so we don’t make the same mistakes,” he said. “I have been surprised many times in talking to young people that they do not know about World War II. It seems history of the United States is not taught in the schools today.” For Jim, life has been about education, service and hard work. “My parents owned 150 acres of farm land,” he said. “I spent most of my youth learning farming, driving a tractor, plowing fields, planting vegetables and hunting small game and deer with my grandfather, father and brothers. I then taught both my sons to hunt, farm and have a respect for nature.” Both originally from Williamsport, PA, Jim, and his wife, Judy, moved to Masonic Village at Dallas from Sunbury. “Our parents lived in their homes too long, and it was difficult for them to leave their homes when their health failed, and they could no longer take care of themselves,” Jim said. “We decided to make the move before that happened to us and moved to be closer to our one son. We are near enough to help each other when needed, but not be on top of them.” Jim and Judy appreciate that much of the maintenance is taken care of for them at Masonic Village, giving Jim time to further read and explore topics and people of interest to him. “My wife and I try to keep active helping our sons when they need some help, taking care of our home and enjoying our time being together with our friends we have met here,” he said. Jim is shown with a Lord’s Prayer piece made by his mother.
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Spring 2022 Issue
