James Wanser

James Edward Wanser, 75, of Las Vegas, NV passed away August 19, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laurie. Born on Dec. 14, 1946 in Rockville Center, NY to Edward John Wanser & Lillian Catherine Wanser (nee Robinson). On June 20th, 1969 Jim joined the Nassau County Police Department & proudly served for 20 years. An avid swimmer, Jim was one of the Police Dept. relay swim team who set a world record swim from Montauk Point, Long Island, NY to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY from August 8, 1972 to August 12, 1972. A member of the Police Drum & Bugle Corps, Jim played Soprano Mellophone for many Police Department events. Jim was proud to become one of the first EMT’s for the NCPD. By the time he retired from the department he was an Advanced EMT Instructor and a Registered Nurse. On February 7, 1982 Jim wed Laura M. Farley at the Jolly Swagman Inn in Hicksville, NY. June 1st, 1982 Jim & Laurie opened Collector’s Comics in Wantagh, NY. The store was a labor of love and many wonderful people became friends over the years. As a long-time member of the Blue Knights NY Chapter 10 law enforcement motorcycle club, Jim & Laurie rode the entire East Coast. Venturing as far north as Montreal, Canada. Moving to Las Vegas in 1994, Jim began working in Security for various casinos. In 1998 Jim graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Hotel Administration from UNLV. He followed that with his MBA in 2002, also Magna Cum Laude, from UNLV. Jim changed from security to Safety Management and began working with FEMA and DHS for disaster responses. Jim was on the front line for Hurricane Katrina, Superstorm Sandy and several other disasters as a Safety Officer responsible for the well-being of the personnel dispatched to aid in these disasters. Moving to North Bend, WA in 2008 to open the Snoqualmie Casino alongside the Snoqualmie Tribe. For the next 9 years Jim worked in security & safety finally becoming the Safety & Transportation Manager. Jim always strived to improve Safety for coworkers and guests. Upon retiring in 2014 Jim & Laurie returned to Las Vegas & enjoyed being inaugural season ticket holders for the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team. Memorial Service will be held at Kraft & Sussman 3975 S. Durango Drive, Suite 104, Las Vegas, NY 89147 on September 10th, 2022 at 11:00 AM, all are welcome. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jim’s name to one of the following worthwhile institutions: UNLV Scholarship American Red Cross ASPCA Animal Welfare Three Square Food Bank World Kitchen Habitat for Humanity