James "Jim" F. Werner, 86, of Jefferson, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on November 26, 1930, in Jefferson, to Otto and Mabel (Kohlhoff) Werner, he married Janet Lueck on August 12, 1967, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson.

Jim was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson and formerly served on the Stewardship Board. 

Jim served in U.S. Army in Korea from 1951 to 1953.  He received the Korean War Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal-Japan, United Nations Service Medal-Korea, National Defense Service Medal, Marksman Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Korean War Service Medal, awarded on the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.

He was a member of the Endl-Gruennert Congressional Medal of Honor Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3589 and the Reinhardt-Windl American Legion Post 164, both of Jefferson.

Jim was honored to go on the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight on May 14, 2016 to Washington, DC.  His daughter, Debbie, accompanied him on the flight.

He owned and operated James Werner Well Drilling for 37 years, first getting into the business by working for his dad, Otto. He drilled many wells in Jefferson County and neighboring counties.  He retired from well drilling in 1997. Jim enjoyed being outdoors and talking with people. Jim was employed part-time after he sold the well drilling business at the Pine Cone Restaurant/Plaza and Hi-Way Harry’s in Johnson Creek.

He was named the Ray O. Fischer Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2008 by the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.  Jim was Janet’s helper at many of the chamber events.

Jim survived bouts of cancer in 1998, 2008, and 2012.  However this final bout was more than his body could sustain and God took him to his final resting place in heaven.

He loved his family and was proud of all of their accomplishments.

Survivors include his wife, Janet;  daughter, Debra (Jack) Werner-Kelln of Cottage Grove; son,  Michael of Evansville; granddaughter,  Lauren Elizabeth Werner of Madison; grandson, Cedric Michael Werner of Evansville; brother, David (Deborah) Werner of Jefferson; sisters, Joanne Sturms of Fort Atkinson, Ruth (John) Robinson of Johnson Creek and Norma Snitchler of Jefferson; sister-in-law, Jean Pateman of Florida;  many nieces, nephews, friends and his "boss," and dear friend, Crysta.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Grace Huebner, Eileen Trandel and Lorraine Kobs.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, with the Rev. Josh Martin officiating.

Burial, with Military Honors, will take place in Union Cemetery in Jefferson.

Friends may call at the Olsen Funeral Home in Jefferson on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday after 10 a.m. until the time of services.

Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and speech and physical therapists who treated Jim over the years. You were an important part of giving him some extra years to spend with family and friends. Special thanks to Rainbow Hospice for their loving care.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rainbow Hospice or Tomorrow’s Hope.

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