Obituary of James Ross Wetzel
James Ross Wetzel passed away peacefully on February 12, 2019 at the age of 80 in Dallas, TX.
Born and raised in Owosso, Michigan, he was the son of Ross Albert Wetzel and Kathleen Elizabeth Rourke. Jim earned his BA from Michigan State University and MA from American University. Inspired by JFK, Jim drove to Washington, D.C. in 1962 with $50 in his pocket to begin a lifelong career in the Federal Government. There he proudly served as an Economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, Council of Economic Advisers, and Census Bureau. After retirement he spent time as a college professor, consultant, researcher and writer.
Jim will be remembered as a selfless, supportive and devoted father to Katharine. With his approachable guidance, captivating storytelling and utmost devotion he navigated parenting in the 1980s with grace and ease. As Katharine and husband Michael relocated to various destinations Jim continued to put his family first with frequent extended visits. His permanent move to the Dallas area in 2013 allowed him even more time to shower his granddaughters with love and wisdom. From soccer sidelines and student performances to after-school puzzles and Sunday dinners, memories from his final five years living in Dallas will be held most dear.
Curious and intellectual with a penchant for remembering facts and figures, Jim was often found reading the newspaper or enjoying a good book. He loved language and information and was an excellent researcher, orator and writer. He enjoyed rounds of golf, listening to jazz, setback tournaments with his brothers, road trips, pondering the origins of the universe and in later years, playing poker and regaling his family with details of his tournament adventures. A whistled tune was never far from his lips.
Jim is survived by his daughter Katharine Ross Friguletto, her husband Michael, and their three daughters Sophia, Lauren and Juliette of Dallas, TX; siblings Colleen Powell (Carl) of Frisco, TX, Richard Wetzel of Fort Bragg, CA, Tom Wetzel (Denise) of Morrice, MI, Pamela Breen of Cozumel, Mexico, and Doug Wetzel of Owosso, MI.
The family is planning a private ceremony to honor Jim’s life.