In Memoriam : Pastor Jim Wiley

Pastor Jim Wiley Pastor Jim A. Wiley - age: 77
(November 01, 1941 to February 06, 2019 )
Resident of Visalia, California

Visitation Information:
A public viewing will be held on Friday, February 8, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Calvary Worship Center at 3890 South Lovers Lane in Visalia. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 9, at 6:00 p.m. at Calvary Worship Center. The burial will be held on Monday, February 11, at 9:00 a.m. at the Visalia Cemetery.

Obituary:
Jim A. Wiley was born in a tent on November 1, 1941, in the town of Farmersville, CA. He was one of eight children born to Pastor Claude and Ethel Wiley, dust bowl immigrants from Oklahoma. Jim grew up on the streets of Farmersville, swimming in the local creeks, playing baseball, and socializing with the community.
Jim played baseball on Farmersville/Exeter Little League, Babe Ruth, American Legion, Exeter Union High School Varsity (four years), The College of the Sequoias, Canadian League, and the U.S. Army.
After being released from the Army in 1966, Jim became a Christian; leaving his dream behind of becoming a professional baseball player to follow his call into the ministry.
In 1976, Jim became Pastor of Calvary Holiness Church in Farmersville. Pastor Wiley was actively involved in the community he loved, volunteering in several community-based organizations including The Tulare County Mental Health Board / Drug & Alcohol Abuse (appointed by the Board of Tulare County Supervisors), Human Relations Board of Farmersville, Advisory Board of Healthy Start Program – Farmersville School District, Farmersville Kiwanis Club, Farmersville Drug Task Force, Outside Creek School Board, Farmersville Ministerial Association, Visalia Rescue Mission Board, Assistant Chaplain at Kaweah Delta Hospital, Tulare County Freeze Relief Board, and Chaplain for the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. In 1977, Jim co-founded the Farmersville Ministerial Association, created to reach the less fortunate and encourage the fellowship of local pastors, police departments, schools and the city. In 1999, he was the Grand Marshall of the Farmersville Memorial Day Parade. Last fall, the Farmersville City Council declared September 9, 2018 as “Pastor Jim A. Wiley Day” in the City of Farmersville in honor of his life-long commitment to ministry and the local community. On September 24, 2018 Jim was honored by the Garry Meek family at the Farmersville High School Aquatic Center groundbreaking ceremony named in his honor. (Jim A. Wiley Aquatic Center)
In September 2018, Jim retired from Calvary Worship Center (formally Calvary Holiness Church) after serving as Senior Pastor for 42 years. Pastor Wiley performed numerous weddings, funerals, baby dedications, and events.
While Jim was very busy in the community and the Church, Jim recognized the most important part of his life, his family. Jim was married to the love of his life, Teressa Jo Kemp, for 52 years. He leaves behind his children: Claudia Long (Jeff) of Texas, Deborah Volosin (Nick, Jr.) of Visalia, Bo Kemp (Tiffany) of Tulare, and Kara Cripps (Ben) of Visalia. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren: Jansen Long, Bailey Volosin, Christian Long, Sydney Volosin, Kylee Gaines-Turney, Lauryn Gaines, Kennedy Kemp, Ashtyn Cripps, Connor Kemp, and Lexi Cripps. His best times were spent sitting at the family dinner table, swimming in the pool with grandkids hanging all over him, and cheering on his grandkids at their various sporting events. He is also survived by his two brothers Dr. Fred D. Wiley (Alabama) and Paul Wiley (Oklahoma).
Despite his battle with heart and Parkinson’s diseases, Jim maintained his cheerful disposition. Although his diseases kept him bound to his chair, he shared his faith in God and his belief that “God is Good – All the Time”.
Three weeks ago, the family placed Jim under the care of Kaweah Delta Hospice; where they were embraced and assisted by an unbelievable team of nurses and caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Calvary Worship Center Youth Center Building fund (www.calvarywc.org/youthcenter) or the Kaweah Delta Hospice Foundation (216 S. Johnson, Visalia, CA 93291)







Patsy Freeman - February 9, 2019Contact this person Contact this person
Prayers and sympathy to Pastor Wiley's family and close friends. He was a special man who touched the lives of many people. He will be missed by all who knew him.