James A. Wagner

James Albert Wagner, 84, passed away at Veteran's Hospital in Indianapolis on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 with his family by his side.

James was born in Marion County to the late Albert and Lucille Collins Wagner on June 30, 1930. He was a 1948 graduate of Greene Township High School.

From 1948 to 1953 he was enlisted in the Marine Corps. His year long tour of duty in the Korean War garnered three purple hearts and many other awards.

Throughout his life he worked as a mechanic, co-owned the Morton General Store for 10 years and had an interest in farming. At 16 years of age he built his own race car, and while he drove in only two races he remained a lifelong avid race fan.

He was a loving, generous, and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He is survived by two sons, Brett Wagner of Greencastle and Dirk Wagner and wife Kathy of Mount Airy, N.C.; one daughter, Kim DiBernardo and husband Paul of Plainfield, Ill.; sister Janice Spears and husband Jim of Florida; brother Bobby Wagner and wife Mary Ann of Florida; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A private memorial gathering will be held in his honor at a later date.