James Allen “Jim” Wiens, age 90, went to be with his Savior on February 16, 2025. Born in Pine River, MN, the youngest of 6 children, he was the son of the late Rev. John and Marie Wiens. Jim attended Bethel College in St. Paul, MN, where he met his wife, Marty. Together they moved to Battle Creek, MI in 1958. Jim was a very active member of Battle Creek Bible Church for almost 50 years, serving as an elder, youth leader, and Sunday School teacher of young couples. Later, he attended Berean Baptist Church in Portage, MI. He, together with his family, also enjoyed many summers serving in the ministry at Camp Oak Hills in Bemidji, MN.

Jim finished his bachelor’s degree at the University of MN in 1958 and later earned his MA degree in teaching science at Western Michigan University. He taught science at Southeastern Jr. High school for 34 years (’58-‘92), and started the tradition of an annual 9th grade trip to the science museums in Chicago. He didn’t just teach, he impacted lives. He helped students to be their best and provided opportunities to hear Truth.

Jim loved to garden and put his hands in the dirt. For many years, much of the food for his family was grown in his garden. He also loved the beauty of flowers, and tested roses for the Jackson Perkins company. Though the accolade of “Yard of the Month” was appreciated, he just loved a beautiful yard.

During his retirement years, Jim, along with his wife, was involved in various forms of ministry and volunteer work, always looking for ways to serve others and the Lord. He was an active member of The Gideons, volunteered at JAARS in Waxhaw, NC, tutored children with the HOST program, and drove a blood shuttle for the Red Cross. He also spent nearly 20 years creating a miniature Christmas village. He painted over 80 6-inch plaster houses during those years. With great joy, he also created an “I Spy” activity for his village to entertain guests during the Christmas season. When the village outgrew their house, he shared it with the residents at Heritage Assisted Living in Battle Creek, and later at The Village at South Lake in SC.

And how he loved to drive his car, and travel to new places, especially the national parks. Along with visiting all 50 states, Jim and Marty also went on mission trips to Africa and Spain and visited family and friends in Italy and Germany.

His wife, Marty, was the love of his life, and they were almost inseparable during the last years of their 64 years of marriage. Jim loved his children deeply and took great delight in his 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. But mostly, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and desired to live his life in such a way as to please and honor Him.

Jim is survived by his son, Ron Wiens (Kim) of Helena, MT; daughters, Barb Cochrane (Paul) of Lexington, SC, and Patty Swift (Rick) of Anderson, SC; and son-in-law, Dan Bishop of Battle Creek, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ben (McKenna), Elisabeth (Taylor), Zach, Courtney (Bradley), Kaitlyn, Jonathan (Alex), Amy (Hunter), David (Dianna), Katy and Nathan. Jim’s great-grandchildren are Lila, Hosanna, Banner, Ellia, Mabel, Haven, Blake, Ezra, Jackson, Arlo, Daniel, Katherine, Beau, Rebekah, and Jedidiah. In addition to his wife, Jim was predeceased by his daughter, Peggy Bishop, and granddaughter, Chelsea Wiens.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wellmore of Lexington for their care of Jim over the past four years.